NCJ Number
144666
Date Published
1992
Length
44 pages
Annotation
This booklet documents human rights violations against lesbians and gays in South Africa and recommends law reform and public education campaigns to counter this.
Abstract
Prejudice and discrimination against lesbians and gays are found both in the law and in the attitudes of people. Lesbian and gay relationships are not recognized by the law or by religion. Lesbians and gay men are discriminated against in the workplace and in the media. Politically, lesbian and gay rights are often dismissed as irrelevant and unworthy of national political debate. Discrimination against lesbians and gays is a form of oppression, because it does not just affect individuals but results from the way in which society is structured. The justice system must be so structured as to treat all persons fairly and deter discrimination against individuals. As a starting point, the law on homosexuality and lesbianism should be changed to create a climate that will encourage social tolerance and nondiscrimination. This will involve decriminalizing lesbianism and homosexuality by abolishing laws that make lesbian and gay behavior criminal and by making it a crime to discriminate against individuals because of sexual orientation. Just laws coupled with public education can help change people's attitudes away from prejudice and discrimination toward homosexuals. Questions for discussion and a workshop outline are provided. A list of resources is included.