Recognition of same-sex unions in Botswana

[2] Contemporary oral evidence suggests that same-sex relationships were "common" and "prevalent" among Tswana miners in South Africa in the early 20th century.

[7] Among the San peoples, marriage (ǃXóõ: ʼǀnàɲa;[8] Tshwa: se tcu) is generally between a man in his twenties and a girl in her teens, though polygamy is common.

[9] Evidence suggests that same-sex sexual activity was previously "common and relatively accepted" by the San peoples.

[12][13] Nevertheless, discrimination and abuse against LGBT people remain a "daily reality for many", and laws do not permit or recognise same-sex marriages or civil unions.

In 2021, a spokesperson for LEGABIBO said the issue of same-sex marriage was "likely to arise in [the] future", noting that the 2019 High Court judgement in Letsweletse Motshidiemang v The Attorney-General "might be relevant then" and hoping that "future possibilities may also include a change of law and acceptance of society towards gay marriages".

"The offensive provisions of the Penal Code have long been struck down by the High Court and so same-sex conduct has not been criminal since then.

[18] Following the 2024 election, the Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs announced its intention to review the Marriage Act.

The Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference will guide further on how such a blessing may be requested and granted to avoid the confusion the document warns against.