Homosexuality is not a disease, nor is it a ‘condition’.  Lesbians do not need to be ‘corrected’, nor do GNC individuals need to be ‘fixed’ or ‘cured’.

The South African Constitution is emphatic in its protection of the rights to equality for all LGBTI and GNC persons.  Section 9 of the Bill of Rights, Chapter Two of the Constitution, as well as the Equality Act (Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act, 2000 (PEPUDA), recognise and protect the right to equality,
irrespective of the gender, sexual orientation, or sex of the individual. The Civil Union Act, 2006 (Act No. 17 of 2006) offers further legislative protections of LGBTI and GNC persons.

However, despite constitutional and legislative protections of equality, the Commission is cognizant of and deeply concerned by the ongoing threats and violations against the rights, wellbeing and safety of LGBTI and GNC persons in South Africa. Individuals in these vulnerable communities continue to be subjected to hate crimes and gender based violence, including murder, assault, humiliations and harassment.  

The Commission recognises that much still needs to be done to ensure that the constitutional right to equality for LGBTI and GNC persons becomes a lived reality.  

Equality is a necessary pre-requisite for social cohesion.  Our Constitution enjoins everyone in the Republic to the task of ensuring that the right to equality of LGBTI and GNC persons is promoted and protected.  

Today, 17th May 2019, the Commission will be joining civil society, the international community, and other strategic partners in commemorating IDAHOT at the Alliance Française of Pretoria, from 13:00 PM until 17:00 PM.

Ends
Issued by the South African Human Rights Commission

Gail Smith – Spokesperson Tel: 060 988 3792 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Gushwell Brooks – Communications Co-ordinator Tel: 082 645 8573 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.