The OUT LGBT organisation has expressed concern over the sign. "Refusing to serve or provide services based on sexual orientation or gender is not only unconstitutional, violating the dignity of LGBTQ+ people, but is also illegal under the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act," it said in a statement." OUT's human rights coorclinator in Gqeberha, Sibonelo Ncanana, said: "This attempt to impose a form of 'apartheid' on LGBTQ+ people is outrageous and must be immediate ly addressed. It goes beyond freedom of expression and constitutes discrimination." OUT said: "As South Africans, we cannot afford to be complacent when it comes to safeguarding our own liberties and rights. It is crucial that we, and our government, stand united against all forms of prejudice and discrimination. "OUT has lodged a complaint with the SAHRC regarding the La Gardi policy and sign and calls for swift measures to be taken against the owner."

SAHRC Eastern Cape manager Dr Eileen Carter confirmed the Chapter 9 institution had received complaints from citizens and had launched an investigation. "I'm requesting we be given an opportunity to do our ground work and then we will be able to advise on a way forward. "We've got the complaint, we are investigating and we are concerned about the prima facie violation that we've noted. But now it is up to us to confirm these allegations and confirm that this is in fact the position and is in fact the photo and then we will be able to advise on a way forward." The shop owner could not be reached for comment yesterday morning. A sign outside La Gardi in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, has raised the ire of the nation.

Source: Sowetan