Gay rights groups strike back
SA’s support for Africa’s opposition at UN to gay rights watchdog brings local and international condemnation
Members of gay rights organisations around the country sent an open letter to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) on Wednesday asking officials to reject a resolution that, if supported, would be a weakening pro-gay rights stance by South Africa in the United Nations.
The statement from the African Group says that sexual orientation and gender identity “are not and should not be linked to existing international human rights instruments”.
The letter says if this is not done, South Africa will be acting in opposition to previous gay rights legislation enacted over the past few years and would “indicate that South Africa is steadily moving away from progressive humans rights norms”.
Sanja Bornman, chairperson of the Hate Crimes Working Group and a member of Lawyers for Human Rights, said the role of an Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity is a vital one.
“The appointment of the Independent Expert is a tremendous step in recognising the addressing violence and discrimination against LGBT people, worldwide,” she said in an email.
DIRCO could not be reached for comment despite numerous attempts to reach the department.
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