Pressroom
Media coverage is critical to our public education and advocacy work, as such we do our utmost to foster a positive and co-operative relationship with both local and international media. We have made all our press releases available on-line since October 2000. Other sections of the site, for instance the archive, may also be of use to media professionals.
Monitoring the media, companies and the government is a huge task and we would greatly appreciate it if would let us know of anything you come across relevant to our work.
Whether you are media professional or not, feel free to browse this archive for an insight into the challenges faced (and often overcome) by our organisation, and community over the past years. You may also want to join our press mailing list and receive the latest media alerts and releases via e-mail.
Press releases
2004
February
Equality Project Condemns Bush Marriage Statement (2004-02-25)
US President George W. Bush yesterday expressed his opposition to same sex marriages. He further indicated that he would support a constitutional amendment to prevent same sex marriage. His support for this, he said, was based on the morality and sanctity of marriage. The Equality Project condemns this statement by Bush.Eugene de Kock Implicated in Attempts to De-rail Jali Commission (2004-02-06)
Former Vlakplaas commander Eugene de Kock and Pretoria local prison head Nick Baloyi were accused on Thursday of fabricating evidence to discredit a witness before the Jali Commission of inquiry into prison mismanagement. This evidence was brought before the Commission by Adv Graham Barlow, the leader of evidence.January
Jali Commision of Inquiry (2004-01-30)
On Tuesday, 3 February 2004, the Jali Commission of Inquiry will begin the process of hearing evidence in regards to the gross human rights violations – in part based on sexual orientation – suffered by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people in the South African Prison System.
2003
November
National Lottery Supports Equality (2003-11-13)
The National Lottery Distriubtion Fund announced a grant in general support of the Lesbian and Gay Equality Project.Appointment of Gay Episcopalian Bishop (2003-11-04)
We congratulate Archbishop Njongonkulu Ndungane on his accepting stance regarding the appointment of Bishop Gene Robinson in the United States of America. It is a brave stance in the face of overwhelming hostility from African Anglicans.September
Heritage Day 2003: Remember with Pride (2003-09-24)
The Lesbian and Gay Equality Project encourages the South African LGBTI (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex) community to remember and celebrate with pride our own, unique heritage.Lesbian and Gay Equality Project welcomes Law Commission report on Same Sex Marriage (2003-09-01)
The Lesbian and Gay Equality Project welcome the report by the SA Law Reform Commission on Domestic Partnerships, including same sex marriage. Though the Commission proposes different avenues for resolving the matter, it is explicitly clear in confirming that the absence of formal legal recognition of same sex marriage is unconstitutional. The Equality Project welcomes this unambiguous statement.August
No homophobia Please, We're South African (2003-08-19)
A Statement issued by Triangle Project and The Lesbian and Gay Equality Project in response to the Southern Mail front-page article “No gays Please, we’re Muslim” – Wednesday, August 13 2003. Issue: Homophobia in Cape Town Schools regarding a gay pageant.July
Constitutional Court dismisses Same Sex Marriage appeal (2003-07-30)
The Lesbian and Gay Equality Project takes notice of the dismissal of the appeal by Fourie & Bonthuis against the Pretoria High Court, as announced by the Constitutional Court today. This dismissal was expected due to technical problems correctly pointed out in the judgment. The way forward in gaining legal recognition of same sex civil unions, is to take a new case – free from the problems that are inherent to the Fourie and Bonthuis case – to court. Also, for such litigation to make the impact that is required, it is necessary that it should be supported by the community of lesbian and gay people in South Africa. This is not the case with Fourie matter. The Lesbian and Gay Equality Project is preparing a class action, with wide community support, that will seek to secure the equal right to marry.Lesbian and Gay Equality Project Releases Financial Results (2003-07-22)
In an action that is rare amongst non-governmental organisations, the Lesbian and Gay Equality Project have released their audited financial results for the 2002 financial year to the public. Evert Knoesen, Director of the Equality Project said that the Board of the Equality Project had made a decision earlier this year to publicly release audit results. "We believe in maximum transparency in our service to the community. But more than that, we have nothing to hide and are in fact very proud of what we have achieved in terms of our finances."June
Canadian Court Orders Same Sex Marriage (2003-06-11)
The Lesbian and Gay Equality Project welcomes the ruling of the Court of Appeal for Ontario (Canada) that has rejected the common law definition of marriage that excludes same sex marriage. The court also ordered that marriage licenses should be issued immediately on application.April
Anglican Church on same sex marriage (2003-04-04)
The Lesbian and Gay Equality Project welcomes the preliminary report issued by the Anglican Church on same sex marriage.March
Recognise our relationships! Treat our people! (2003-03-21)
The Lesbian and Gay Equality Project joins the nation in celebrating our 9th National Human Rights Day. Nevertheless, The Equality Project wishes to focus attention on two issues on the occasion of Human Rights Day.February
Budget: Plum for some (2003-02-26)
The Lesbian and Gay Equality Project noted with interested the budget presented this afternoon by Finance Minister, Trevor Manuel.Access to Treatment for All – Now! Gay and Lesbian Alliance Irresponsible and Uninformed (2003-02-14)
The Lesbian and Gay Equality Project expresses its support for the call for access to treatment for all made by the Treatment Action Campaign.
The Equality Project is outraged by the politically irresponsible statements made by the so-called Gay and Lesbian Alliance, that tries to establish a link between a right to access to treatment and “personal lifestyles”. This attitude displays a complete lack of understanding on the part of the GLA that does not reflect either the reality of our society, or the attitude of the majority of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in South Africa.Seapoint Massacre Suspects apprehended (2003-02-14)
The Lesbian and Gay Equality Project welcomes the apprehension of two suspects from the Seapoint massacre. One of the suspects have already confessed to the crime in front of a magistrate.January
Sea Point Massacre: Equality Project to Meet with National Commissioners’ Office AND Political Hijacking of Memorial Service (2003-01-27)
The Lesbian and Gay Equality Project will meet on Tuesday, 28 January 2003, with the office of the National Commissioner of Police, to discuss key issues around the Sea Point Massacre. It is with great sadness that we noted the coverage in the media regarding the alleged political hijacking of the memorial service for the victims of the Sea Point massacre.Gay Massacre: Police Making Major Strides (2003-01-21)
As the full picture of the brutal massacre in Sea Point unfolds, it appears that the SA Police Services are making major strides in the investigation of this brutal crime. Preliminary indications are that the massacre is related to organised crime, within a broader national framework.Mass Murder of Gay Men (2003-01-20)
The Lesbian and Gay Equality Project has learned with shock about the slaying of a group of men, in Seapoint, Cape Town. A group of 10 men, all present in a male massage parlour, were brutally attacked in execution style. Ten men were shot and their throats slit. Preliminary indications are that this could be a hate crime.Reformed Church Misguided on Homosexuality (2003-01-13)
The Lesbian and Gay Equality Project notes with concern the position and opinions voiced by those within the Southern Synod of the Church.
2002
Constitutional Court Legalises same sex co-parent adoption (2002-09-10)
South Africa's highest court ruled that laws preventing gay and lesbian couples from adopting are unconstitutional.Queer press and NGOs disassociate from "GLA" (2002-08-05)
South African LGBTI media and community organisations distance themselves from the so-called Gay and Lesbian Alliance.NEHAWU Supports Equality (2002-03-20)
NEHAWU salutes the Lesbian and Gay Equality Project as well as the Lesbian and Gay community as a whole on the victory of gaining access to so-called "widows" pensions for the surviving same sex partners of state employees.Mutual & Federal ordered to pay lesbian pension - with costs (2002-07-29)
The Lesbian and Gay Equality Project noted with satisfaction the ruling handed down by the Pension Funds Adjudicator (PFA) in the matter of Muir v Mutual & Federal and 4 Others. The case was the result of Mutual & Federal refusing to pay the lesbian partner of a deceased Mutual & Federal employee the full benefit arising from the deceaseds' pension.Satchwell v President of RSA (2002-07-25)
The Lesbian and Gay Equality Project welcomes the unanimous judgment by the Constitutional Court today in the matter of Satchwell v President of the RSA.This judgment again confirms the constitutional right for people in same sex relationships to have their relationships recognised and protected by the law and further, to enjoy the same benefits under the law, as married persons do.Farewell to the Honest Bishop (2002-07-18)
The Lesbian and Gay Equality Project notes with regret the resignation of Catholic Bishop Reginald Cawcutt. Bishop Cawcutt has made a major contribution to the debate on homosexuality and tolerance within the church.Class action against Minister of Finance settled (2002-03-17)
The Equality Project has settled a class action against the Minister of Finance that had been filed with the Pretoria High Court. In the application, The Equality Project sought to secure full pension benefits for the surviving same sex partners of state employees.
2001
SA Government sells out LGBT community at racism conference (2001-09-07)
The Equality Project notes with concern the approach of the South African government at the World Conference Against Racism (WCAR) on issues of equality for LGBTI people. Of particular concern was the response of the South African government to the proposal by Canada (supported by Mexico, Honduras and Brazil) to include sexual orientation in Paragraph 212 of the Programme of Action.Equality Project sues Minister of Finance for discrimination (2001-08-28)
The Lesbian and Gay Equality Project institutes legal action against the state to secure pension benefits for the same sex partners of deceased state employees.The death of a star (2001-08-21)
Leoness Von Cleeff, one of Johannesburg's brightest cabaret stars and personalities dies at 30.Lesbian judges seek justice (2001-08-08)
Judge Kathleen Satchwell is applying to the Pretoria High Court for the same benefits to be given to her lesbian partner as are granted to the partners of heterosexual judges.Correctional Services Defies Law (2001-03-02)
The Department of Correctional Services is refusing to register same-sex couples for benefits on their medical aid scheme. This is in contravention of both the Equality clause in the Constitution, as well as the Medical Schemes Act.ASA bans "moffie" bashing Koffiehuis ad (2001-01-19)
The Advertising Standards Authority of South Africa (ASA) has shown again that complaints from the public are important. For the first time, ASA banned an advertisement considered to be offensive to lesbian and gay people. The ban is effective immediately.
2000
ACDP slams lesbian & gay marriages before local elections (2000-11-06)
The African Christian Democratic Party has come out strongly against lesbian and gay marriage. In The Christian Democrat, their propaganda publication, they call lesbian and gay marriage "farcical" and describe it as "a threat to the institution of marriage worldwide". Evert Knoesen of The Lesbian and Gay Equality Project said that the ACDP appears to be misguided and ill-informed.Lesbians, gays and the local elections (2000-11-03)
Local elections are just as important as national elections so make sure you are getting the same services as your non-lesbian/gay neighbour.Queer money in hostile hands? (2000-10-30)
Financial institutions discriminate against gays and lesbians, will not give them a 100%
bond and will not give loans to same-sex couples in committed relationships either.SABC discriminates against gay and lesbian households (2000-10-11)
The public broadcaster says it will not treat gay or lesbian families the same as heterosexual families when it comes to TV licenses.