Background:

During May 2017, the South African Human Rights Commission (the Commission) received approximately 77 complaints regarding the content of the book, “Lyfslim vir Seuns”. The Respondent in this matter is Mrs Gretha Wiid who is the author of the book in question.

The complainants allege that the publication constitutes unfair discrimination on the basis of Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE) and that it amounts to hate speech.

Further, between 1996 and 2011, Wiid gave extensive presentations and workshops at schools across Gauteng on the subject of sexual development and sex education.  A number of complaints also challenged the tone and content of the workshops, complaining that the Respondent engaged in speech that violated the equality and dignity rights of SOGIE persons, and the constitutional rights and best interests of the children to whom the workshops were addressed. 

Given the important issues raised by the complaints and the need to protect the rights of SOGIE persons and children, the Commission initiated an investigation into the Respondent’s conduct.

The Respondent and the Commission agree that it is in the interests of the parties, and society at large, that the matter be resolved as expeditiously and amicably as possible. The complaints against Wiid been resolved through a process of conciliation and all parties have agreed to enter into a settlement agreement.  

The signing of the settlement took place at the SAHRC offices on 18 July 2018.

Ends

For further information contact the Gauteng Provincial Office of the South African Human Rights Commission:

Buang Jones, Provincial Manager, T: 011 877 3752 / C: 078 617 0476; E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  or Zamakhize Mkhize: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ; 011 877 3764 / C: 061 814 7143