Zimbabwe moves to review intersex laws after landmark court challenge
The Zimbabwean government is reviewing its legal framework regarding intersex rights following a landmark constitutional court challenge. Cabinet ministers are consulting with experts and civil society to address gaps in legislation that currently only recognizes a male-female binary.
Why it matters
This represents a significant shift in human rights and legal recognition for intersex individuals in a country where binary gender laws have historically created administrative and social barriers.
The government has begun reviewing Zimbabwe’s legal framework affecting intersex persons after being taken to court in a landmark constitutional case, with three cabinet ministers meeting experts, civil society organisations and people with lived experience to explore possible legal reforms.
The high-level breakfast meeting, convened by the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs in Harare on Wednesday, brought together Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Edgar Moyo and Health and Child Care Minister Douglas Mombeshora.
Justice Minister Ziyambi said the process was triggered by litigation challenging the government’s handling of intersex rights.
“Basically what we have done is we have received a court challenge regarding this issue (intersex) and we referred it to the Attorney General,” he said.
“After that we decided as a Ministry that we need to undertake research.”
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in