Government condemns in the strongest terms possible and reiterates its commitment to fight all forms of hate crimes perpetrated against Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgender and Inter-sex (LGBTI) people in South Africa.
This comes after media reports that a gay person has allegedly been assaulted in a township near Cape Town.
Acting Cabinet Spokesperson Phumla Williams, urged communities to respect individuals’ right to life and respect everyone’s dignity. “Every citizen has inherent dignity and the right to have their dignity respected and protected, as enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa”.
She added that “as Government we are committed to fight all forms of crime, including violence against gay and lesbian people. The South African Police Service are currently investigating the case and we are confident that justice shall prevail”.
South Africa has taken many strides away from its past of exclusion and discrimination on the basis of sex, colour and creed.
The country is steadily moving forward in a direction that reasserts our humanity. A new culture for the respect of human rights and dignity has characterised South Africa and its people.
Williams called on communities to work together with Government in combating all forms of crimes. “During this Freedom Month, let us work together to preserve and promote human dignity and the rights of other.
Working together we do more to build a safe and socially cohesive society”, said Williams.
Enquiries:
Phumla Williams
Cell: 083 501 0139
