The Evangelical Fellowship of Botswana (EFB) has applied to join the legal conflict surrounding the legalization of same-sex marriage currently before Botswana’s High Court. The organization, which represents a number of churches across the country, filed its application through its legal team and presented arguments at High Court hearings in Gaborone on July 14 and 15.
According to a media report, court documents state that two female nationals attempted to register their intent to marry in April 2025. Upon approaching the Department of Civil and National Registration in Gaborone., Bonolo Selelo and Tsholofelo Kumile were turned away, citing Botswana law’s exclusion of same-sex couples. They were reportedly advised to marry in South Africa instead.
They have since challenged Section 10(2) of the Marriage Act, stating that it violates several provisions of Botswana’s Constitution. Among them are guarantees of fundamental rights and freedoms, protection from inhuman treatment, freedom of expression and association, and protection from discrimination. Should they be successful, Botswana could become the second country in Africa, after South Africa, to legally recognise same-sex marriage.
According to Christian Daily, EFB President Pastor David Seithamo made the announcement in a statement to church leaders across National Evangelical Alliances in Africa following the hearings.
“In response to the ongoing legal challenge seeking to redefine marriage to include same-sex unions, the Evangelical Fellowship of Botswana has applied to join the proceedings. This ensures that the Church has a direct voice in defending both Christian, traditional marriage, and societal moral values.”
“We deeply appreciate your continued prayers, fasting, and support towards these efforts by EFB and other organisations that are also fighting the same battle with us. The battle is the Lord’s,” Seithamo said.
If admitted, the organisation will be entitled to argue its position in the main hearing that takes place on October 22 and 23. A ruling on its admission to the case is expected on September 4, 2026. The EFB along with two other organisations, the Dingwetsi Association of Botswana and the Botswana House of Prayer and Transformation have applied for admission.