Marriges in Swaziland. A judge in Swaziland ruled that a marriage between two lesbians is valid. According to Swazi tradition, two women can lawfully contract marriages in Swaziland and the woman who pays the Swaziland bride price can delegate a man to father children on her behalf.

The judgement confirming the legality of this ancient practice of two women marriges in Swaziland was issued following a trial in which a Swaziland woman had accused a man of defrauding her of four cows. The woman gave evidence before the President of the Lubuli National Tribunal, Mbalekelwa Mngomezulu, that the cattle had been given as lobola for a woman she wished to marry.

Her brother was to have the task of fathering children for the woman. Judge Mngomezulu, ruling in favor of the plaintiff, stated that such an arrangement was not new according to Swazi law and custom, and was valid as long as both the parents of both women gave their consent for the lesbian marriage in Swaziland.

Swaziland Reed Dance
Many maidens, who come from villages across the country, dream of joining the king's wives who each have their own palace and BMW car. But others were scared catching the royal eye could curtail their freedom and force them into a polygamous marriage.

Some say the Reed Dance, traditionally meant to celebrate womanhood and virginity, has become little more than a showcase for the king's young would-be brides.