Recognition of same-sex unions in Mozambique

The Family Code of Mozambique recognizes de facto unions but only for opposite-sex couples and bans same-sex marriage.

Some protests for the legal recognition of same-sex marriage occurred in 2006, as discussions on this issue were ongoing in South Africa.

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

He added that male couples "would quarrel just as husbands and wives do", and when asked whether the nkhonsthana wished to become someone's partner, he replied, "Yes, for the sake of security, for the acquisition of property and for the fun itself.

"[2] These "mine marriages", which also occurred among miners in South Africa and Zimbabwe,[3] were "accepted, indeed taken for granted by women (including wives) and elders at home, and relationships might extend beyond a single work contract".

Silva did not call for the legalisation of same-sex marriage but rather suggested a "gradual recognition of the rights of gay partners living in de facto unions".

[7] Nevertheless, LGBT people still face discrimination and violence,[8] and laws do not permit or recognise same-sex marriages or civil unions.

The Family Code also introduced de facto unions (Portuguese: união de facto) for opposite-sex couples after three years of continuous cohabitation,[11] defined in the Family Code as a "singular connection existing between a man and a woman, with a stable and lasting character" between partners capable of marrying but who have chosen not to.