‘It is my belief that gay rights are human rights and that no homophobic violence or prejudice should be tolerated.’ – Western Cape ANC secretary.
THE ANC has strongly condemned conservative and traditional communities use of culture as a justification for homophobic discrimination and violence.
The ruling party made their stance clear during a meeting with NGO Gay Flag of South Africa (GFSA) in Cape Town yesterday.
GFSA challenged the ANC, as the ruling party, to send a broad message to both traditionalists and broader society that Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) rights were human rights, and that every South African’s choice of identity has to be respected, irrespective of sexual orientation.
“If the message saves lives, educates and sensitises, we would have achieved a milestone,” Henry Bantjez, the director of GFSA, said.
After consultations with GFSA, the ANC openly condemned homophobic hate crimes and mutilation of people on the grounds of their sexual orientation.
“It is my belief that gay rights are human rights and that no homophobic violence or prejudice should be tolerated,” Western Cape ANC secretary Songezo Mjongile said.
“The ANC’s values are guided by the South African constitution, where we develop an equal, non-sexist, non-racial and non-homophobic nation.”
by Citizen Reporter
Source – The Citizen
