Mapaseka Steve Letsike, vice minister of the presidency for women, youth and disabled people, called on South Africans to “resist hatred” and respect lesbians, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex+ (LGBTQI+).
The Deputy Minister had submitted his remarks at a media roundtable on the nation’s sexual orientation, gender identity and expression and sexual characteristics (SOGISC) strategy.
This is part of the International Day commemoration for homophobia, transphobia and Idahobit, observed annually on May 17th.
The day has been observed to bring awareness to the violence and discrimination faced by members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex+ (LBGTQI+) community around the world.
Read | Roundtable Discussions on the Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Expression and Sexual Characteristics of the Nation
Since the dawn of democracy, South Africa has been moving to strengthen protections of human rights, including those of the LGBTQI+ community.
“(() Over the last 31 years, we have seen consensual decriminalization of sex among same-sex people, and have repealed laws criminalizing LGBTI people. We have adopted more than 14 laws that express equality for LGBTI people.
“What we did was to grant recognition in many other areas, including equal grounds for same-sex military union law, adoption laws, and (human rights) policy, as well as reinforced transgender individuals who can obtain identity documents to reflect gender identity.
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“We have passed these policies and we need to make sure they are fully and urgently implemented.
The Deputy Minister added that training will be provided to civil servants in coal-seat services, including police, healthcare workers, corrections officers and others, and that “ensure non-discriminatory treatment of LGBTI people.”
However, letsike added that visibility and public education are necessary to draw attention to LBGTQI+ rights.
“We need a more comprehensive education that dismantles bias from an early age. Our curriculum must reflect the reality of diverse identities. We need to be accountable. We need to prosecute hate crimes and address discrimination.
“Silence from the institution should no longer be an option. Solidarity is needed (only the government) cannot change society as a whole, so a social approach is needed to enact meaningful change.
“We need to stand together with our families, faith leaders, traditional authorities and communities to oppose hatred. Our constitution must continue to be respected…and the LGBTI community must be respected for their rights.
