Gauteng Legislature hosts Lesbian, Gays, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) dialogue
The Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL) will host its inaugural Sector Parliament for the Lesbian, Gays, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBT) society. In an effort to develop an inclusive and cohesive society through Oversight; Public Participation; and Socio-economic Development, GPL resolved to include the LGBT society as part of the selected annual Sector Parliaments’ stakeholders.
As a custodian of Public Participation in the province, GPL observed a lack of participation by LGBT individuals in legislative matters; this mostly due to the stigma and discrimination towards the LGBT society. The dialogue will give LGBT individuals an opportunity; as well as a platform to engage with Members of the GPL, MECs and various Constitutional bodies on issues affecting them. The Dialogue is part of GPL’s efforts to facilitate participation by the LGBT society in legislative processes; while also cultivating a culture of mutual acceptance and respect among the people of Gauteng.
The Event will be held as follows:
Date: Thursday, 27 March 2014
Time: 10h00
Venue: Piazza, Gauteng Provincial Legislature, Cnr Loveday and President Street, Johannesburg CBD.
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Lesbians and gay men have historically been victims of discriminatory laws and prejudices in South Africa; in other countries being homosexual is a crime punishable by law. The South African Democratic Legislation post to 1994 allows lesbians and gay men their basic human rights and aims to uplift their social status.
The LGBTI Sector Parliament is one of GPL’s initiatives to reverse the oppression faced by gays and lesbians in Gauteng. The programme for the dialogue promises to be informative; exciting; as well as stimulate dialogue and inspire change.
Members of the Media are invited to attend this eye-opening event.
For more information please contact: Ms Pfano Bulasigobo on: 011 498 6381 / 076 323 0941 E-mail: PBulasigobo@gpl.gov.za or Ms Khazi Sithole on 011 498 5777 or 082 577 9393; E-mail: KSithole@gpl.gov.za
