The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) strongly condemns the unfortunate and regrettable statement by Mr Errol Naidoo that is homophobic and discriminatory in nature. His is unconstitutional and also constitute to hate crime as it goes to the very core of the basic principle of human rights and dignity. The Commission calls upon all those that feel hard done by this comments to lodge an official complaint with our CGE Offices, Human Rights Commission or Equality Court.
It an opportune moment for all South Africans to showcase that Lesbians, Gays, Bisexual, Transgendered and Intersexed (LGBTI) people too as Mr. Naidoo have rights that are enshrined in the Constitution by standing up against such intolerant and shameful views.
This negative portrayal of LGBTI people will only continue if media offers the likes of Mr Naidoo a platform to say such hogwash in the public domain. We call upon the media to detest that would make them an accomplice to hate crime. It is also worrying that these comments are made in the middle of 16 Days of Activism against women and children and that on its own has a potential to fuel violence in high proportion. The Commission calls upon Mr Naidoo to unequivocal apologise to the LGBTI people and all institutions enacted as a means of strengthening democracy in South Africa.
Contact persons:
Javu Baloyi
Cell: 083 579 3306
