War against gays and lesbians
Indeed, do homosexuals not have the right to make their choices as to who they want to spend their lives with as husbands and wives, or as boyfriends and girlfriends even if they are of the same sex?
September 28, 2006: South Africa's former Deputy President Jacob Zuma has apologised for remarks - interpreted as being anti-gay - he made at the Shaka Day commemoration on Sunday which he said may have caused pain.
He said in a statement today: "I apologise unreservedly for the pain and anger that my remarks may have caused." The statement was released by the African National Congress (ANC) head office in Johannesburg.
Zuma, who is deputy president of the ruling ANC, had referred to same-sex marriages as "a disgrace to the nation and to God". He was quoted as saying that "ungingili (gays)" could not stand "in front of me".
Zuma made the remarks just days after his trial for corruption was thrown out of court last week. He said he noted that the statement he made at the commemoration at kwaDukuza, KwaZulu Natal "have been interpreted in various ways, and may have hurt and angered the gay and lesbian community in our country".
"My remarks were made in the context of the traditional way of raising children. I commented in particular about the manner in which communities tend to neglect the boy children and over-emphasise the traditional upbringing of girl children as evidenced in ceremonies such as the reed dance.
"I said the communal upbringing of children in the past was able to assist parents to notice children with a different social orientation. I, however, did not intend to have this interpreted as a condemnation of gays and lesbians.
"Our constitution clearly states that nobody should be discriminated against on many grounds including sexual orientation, and I uphold and abide by the constitution of our land. Our lesbian and gay compatriots are protected by the constitution and I respect their rights, in my capacity as an individual citizen and as a member and one of the leaders of the ANC.
"I also respect, acknowledge and applaud the sterling contribution of many gay and lesbian compatriots in the struggle that brought about our freedom, and the role they continue to play in the building of a successful non-racial, non-discriminatory South Africa," said the former deputy president.
gay people to march for justice on women’s day SOUTH AFRICA – August 2, 2007: With a view to highlight the impact of hate crimes against lesbian women in South Africa, gay rights groups have invited concerned members of the public to a protest action on 9 August –Women’s Day at Meadowlands. [more]
culture is a weapon of mass destruction OPINION – July 24, 2007: If patriotism is the last refuge of scoundrels, “culture” must be the last refuge of murderous patriarchs. Under the guise of what “our culture” requires, some people directly or indirectly justify rape and murder. [more]
War against gays and lesbians
