FOCCISA calls for stronger LGBTQI protection in South Africa
As the world marks the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, the Forum of Christian Councils in Southern Africa Health and Gender Justice Network says LGBTQI individuals continue to face discrimination and violence due to poor understanding of sexual orientation and gender identity.
As the world observes International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia today, a local NPO says there needs to be more awareness, dialogue, and protection of LGBTQI individuals.
The Forum of Christian Councils in Southern Africa Health and Gender Justice Network says this community continues to face discrimination and violence due to a lack of understanding - about sexual orientation and gender identity.
Social attitudes
The Umhlanga-based organisation says although South Africa has progressive laws protecting LGBTQI rights societal attitudes often fail to reflect these legal protections.
"The challenge is that the attitudes on the ground are not matching those laws. And we know that in some countries, homosexuality is decriminalized, and then when you come to South Africa, it is not. But the problem is that the issue of discrimination, violence is the same, and it's even worse in South Africa because people get killed for who they are.
"In other countries, of course, there are killings, but South Africa, I think, is the highest, FOCCISA's Lebohang Matela said.
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