Developments regarding the status of LGBTI persons worldwide

South Africa takes note of the recent developments regarding the situation of Lesbians, Gays, Bisexual, Transsexual and Intersex persons (LGBTI) worldwide.

The South African Government will, through existing diplomatic channels, be seeking clarification on these developments from many capitals around the world.

South Africa views the respect for the promotion, protection and fulfilment of human rights and fundamental freedoms as a critical pillar of our domestic and foreign policies; hence they are enshrined in our Constitution. 

South Africa believes that no persons should be subjected to discrimination or violence on any ground, including on the basis of sexual orientation.

On the domestic front, we also have challenges of our own in this regard.

The Government has decided to adopt measures aimed at significantly enhancing our protection mechanisms aimed at curbing violence against the LGBTI community. To this end, our focus will also be on ensuring that acts of violence do not go unpunished and that perpetrators are apprehended, prosecuted, convicted and appropriately sentenced.

Our Constitution makes it impermissible to discriminate on the ground of sexual orientation, therefore eradicating hate crimes and intolerance in regard to this matter remains a key preoccupation of the Government, working collectively and with the relevant Civil Society Organisations.

Statement issued by Mr Clayson Monyela, Spokesperson for DIRCO, February 25 2014

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