The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) fully supports the recent Equality Court judgement condemning hate speech towards the LGBTQIA+ community. The case which was brought forward by the Lawyers for Human Rights and the South African Human Rights Commission against a public figure we believe is known for inflammatory rhetoric that has bordered on incitement and threats to public safety, is indeed a welcome exemplary reinforcement of an equal and inclusive society- a long-standing principle of the Federation.

The county’s Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate speech Act and the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act makes it very clear that offences of hate crimes and hate speech have no room in our hard-won democracy. Speech that incites violence or advocates hatred against individuals or groups based on characteristics like race, gender, sexual orientation, or religion is against the law.  This is a matter that goes to the heart of a constitutional democracy and one that we dare not compromise upon.

Too often, individuals who commit such acts downplay the severity of their conduct. Our history has proven multiple times fatal consequences of discrimination endured by members of the LGBTQIA+ community. As COSATU has guarded, derogatory slurs in their areas of residence are at time extended to their places of work.

For that reason, the Federation adopted a strong stance against hate crimes targeting lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons at its 11th National Congress in 2012. The resolution acknowledged the alarming rise in hate crimes, including rape and murder of lesbian women, and highlighted the widespread homophobia in society and workplaces, and undertook a solemn gender policy to create safe working environments that have zero tolerance for homophobia.

This court judgement not only serves as a demonstration of the authority of the rule of law, it is also a bold assertiveness of our democracy-an emancipation that is driven by the protection of human rights and human dignity for all, regardless of sexual orientation.

This year Pride Month is commemorated with a momentous court ruling that upholds justice for those whose dignity is regularly violated with brazen impunity.

Issued by COSATU

Nonzuzo Dlamini (Communication Officer)

Mobile: 066 194 3619

Email: nonzuzo@cosatu.org.za