The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development welcomes suspension of journalists for LGBTI hate speech

17 Jul 2013

The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development welcomes the decision by Media24 to suspend journalists from the FHM for their insensitive comments about violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) persons. FHM journalists were suspended for their insensitive comments made on Facebook page, which reads as follows: "I propose correctional rape and sterilisation for any white person who twerks."

The department condemns these disparaging comments as they have a potential to cement homophobia and incite violence against LGBTI persons. These comments go against the spirit of the Constitution, which guarantees the rights of every human being, including the right to sexual orientation.

The department calls on the people of South Africa to respect human rights and exercise tolerance for each other's sexual orientation. The National Task Team is moving steadily to develop an intervention strategy as mandated by the Minister and monitor closely hates crimes perpetuated against LGBTI persons.

Together with other government departments, Civil Society Organisations and Chapter Nine Institutions, the department will continue to work towards the development of this strategy, which will ensure coordination in dealing with discrimination and hate crimes perpetuated against LGBTI persons.

Statement issued by Advocate Mthunzi Mhaga, Spokesperson for the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, July 17 2013

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