Sony Pixel Power calrec Sony

Anti-Homosexuality Bill: ANC, DA, ActionSA condemn SA's silence

27/03/2023

Anti-Homosexuality Bill: ANC, DA, ActionSA condemn SA's silenceWhile the EFF, the DA and Action SA have all condemned Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Bill, the ANC and the SA government have remained silent.

by Mambaonline.com

27-03-2023 10:23

in LGBTQIA

President Cyril Ramaphosa has yet to speak out against Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Bill. Photo: Twitter

The EFF says Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Bill is a massive step backwards for Africa

The DA slams the SA government and the African Union for not condemning the legislation

ActionSA warns the bill will incite violence and harassment against LGBTIQ individuals

The ANC has yet to comment

While the EFF, the DA and Action SA have all condemned Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Bill, the ANC and the South African government have remained noticeably silent.

--

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) issued a statement on Friday speaking out against the legislation that threatens to jail and even execute LGBTIQ people and their allies in the east African country, describing it as inhumane and rooted in religious fundamentalism.

ALSO READ: World condemns Uganda's anti-LGBTIQ bill

The bill passed in Uganda is a massive step backwards for Africa and a gross violation of human rights, said the EFF.

--

The stigma and hatred towards the LGBTQI community not only in Africa but across the world, infringes on the rights of individuals to identify as they see fit and express their sexuality without fear of persecution, contended the party. It is completely irrational, as it is based on homophobic and baseless rhetoric which collates sexual crimes with queer identity.

The EFF said the bill will open doors to numerous human rights violations and urged Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni to not sign the bill and to instead roll out an education program on sexuality, gender identity and on the rights of people to freely express themselves and associate with whomever they please.

The DA slams the SA government for not condemning the legislation ALSO READ: Uganda passes horror bill to outlaw LGBTIQ people's existence

It argued that the harmful rhetoric and propaganda that is pervasive in Africa against the LGBTQI community is baseless and illogical and that the LGBTQI community is unjustly blamed for crimes that are committed by all sexes and genders in society.

--

In its own statement, the Democratic Alliance (DA) expressed its disappointment at the silence of both the South African government and the African Union in not calling out Uganda for passing the Anti-Homosexuality Bill.

It is so often that South Africa is quick to talk about human rights atrocities around the world but when their own continent is pushing us back into the dark ages, they are embarrassingly silent, said MP Darren Bergman.

ALSO READ: Amnesty urges Uganda leader to reject appalling' anti-LGBTQ bill

He warned that if not condemned by neighbouring countries and the African Union, the bill could lead to more draconian laws being passed by not just Uganda but other countries that will put Africa on a path to a slippery free fall .

President Cyril Ramaphosa owes it not just to South Africa or to the African continent but he owes it to the seat he occupies on the African Union to fight for the rights of every person on this continent to live in a progressive continent that is maturing and allowing the people of Africa a voice and not just the legislators, said Bergman.

ActionSA also noted the deafening silence of President Cyril Ramaphosa on the Ugandan bill, something which it described as disappointing as it is unsurprising .

That a bill of this nature can be passed so far into the 21st century when the global community has made such significant strides in restoring human rights and freedoms is unjustifiable, commented ActionSA President, Herman Mashaba.

ALSO READ: Uganda anti-LGBTIQ bill: Museveni calls gay people deviants

The ANC has yet to comment He pointed out that the bill will further entrench discrimination into the fabric of Ugandan society and will incite violence and harassment against individuals based on their sexual orientation.

The inflammatory utterances made carelessly by the senior leadership of Uganda, if left unchecked, will lead to abuse of power against anyone, not just the LGBTQIA community, Mashaba said.

He expressed hope that with sufficient support and advocacy from our silent' leaders, the Ugandan anti-LGBTQI Bill would be reviewed in lieu of its fundamental conflicts with the country's international human rights obligations .

In addition to President Ramaphosa and the South African government, the ANC has also not commented on the Ugandan bill.

ALSO READ: Uganda: Ramaphosa welcomes Museveni despite new anti-LGBTIQ bill

This is in line with the government's historical silence when it comes to LGBTIQ human rights abuses in Africa and among other international allies such as Russia.

It's worth noting that the legislation was passed by the Ugandan Parliament just days after President Museveni made an official state visit to South Africa, accompanied by much pomp and ceremony.

President Cyril Ramaphosa welcomed Museveni - who recently described LGBTIQ people as deviants - with open arms and bestowed him with the prestigious Order of South Africa.

Article by Luiz De Barros

This article was initially published on MAMBAonlie.com

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES BY Mambaonline.com

How much of a rugby fanatic are you? FIVE simple answers could win you R1 000 in cash!
LINK: https://www.thesouthafrican.com/culture/lgbtqia/anti-homosexuality-bil...
See more stories from thesouthafrican

Africa Stories

16/07/2024

18th Annual South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs) open the call for Discretionary Award Nominations

The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), an agency of the Department of Sp...

13/07/2024

Invitation for South African filmmakers to submit films for the 97th Annual Academy Awards (Oscars) International Feature Film category.

The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), an agency of the Department of Sp...

09/07/2024

The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) call for Marketing and Distribution cycle 2 funding applications is open

The NFVF, an agency of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture that is created...

02/07/2024

Global Arabic Bouquet (GAB) renewed deal

Arabsat, ASBU and Globecast are commemorating 20 years with a renewed multi-year deal for Global Arabic Bouquet (GAB) services, providing a wide range of DTH di...

11/06/2024

30 YEARS OF SOUTH AFRICA'S DEMOCRACY CELEBRATED THROUGH THE FILM LENS AT THE 77TH INTERNATIONAL CANNES FILM FESTIVAL

Tuesday 11 June 2024, Johannesburg. The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF...

31/05/2024

Statement on the alleged ill treatment of cast members

The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), the custodians of the South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs), has learned of the allegations of ill-tr...

22/05/2024

Judge blocks auction of Elvis Presley's Graceland estate

Judge blocks auction of Elvis Presley's Graceland estateA judge in Tennessee has temporarily halted a foreclosure sale of Graceland, the historic home of El...

22/05/2024

Skeem Saam: Wednesday's episode, 22 May 2024 [video]

Skeem Saam: Wednesday's episode, 22 May 2024 [video]Missed an episode of Skeem Saam? No problem! Watch the latest episode of your favourite South African so...

22/05/2024

Tonight's Scandal: Jojo draws a line in the sand and Phaka must make a decision

Tonight's Scandal: Jojo draws a line in the sand and Phaka must make a decis...

22/05/2024

Tonight on House of Zwide: A costly request from Adani and Keletso, breaking the wedding dishes by mistake

Tonight on House of Zwide: A costly request from Adani and Keletso, breaking the...

22/05/2024

Tonight on Smoke and Mirrors: Dikeledi's death at the hands of Mthetho leaves Caesar and Jaxon troubled

Tonight on Smoke and Mirrors: Dikeledi's death at the hands of Mthetho leave...

22/05/2024

Skeem Saam: Tuesday's episode, 21 May 2024 [video]

Skeem Saam: Tuesday's episode, 21 May 2024 [video]Missed an episode of Skeem Saam? No problem! Watch the latest episode of your favourite South African soap...

22/05/2024

Shaka ILembe': Mzansi Magic denies food poisoning incident, confirms death

Shaka ILembe': Mzansi Magic denies food poisoning incident, confirms deathMzansi Magic has responded following reports that two Shaka ILembe' season tw...

22/05/2024

Bridgerton's third season sizzles with record-breaking viewership

Bridgerton's third season sizzles with record-breaking viewership Bridgerton' Season 3 Part 1 shattered records with a staggering 45.1 million views wit...

22/05/2024

Tonight on Skeem Saam: The Maputlas find out about Ntswaki's lies

Tonight on Skeem Saam: The Maputlas find out about Ntswaki's liesDon't miss Wednesday, 22 May's riveting episode of South African soapie Skeem Saam ...

21/05/2024

WATCH: Tonight's Scandal teaser - 21 May 2024

WATCH: Tonight's Scandal teaser - 21 May 2024Don't miss Tuesday, 21 May's riveting episode of South African soapie Scandal! on e.tv on DStv channel ...

21/05/2024

Tonight on Skeem Saam: Sthoko and Babeile's reunion puzzles and shatters their loved ones

Tonight on Skeem Saam: Sthoko and Babeile's reunion puzzles and shatters the...

21/05/2024

Tonight on House of Zwide: Soka is forced to lie after Mampho catches him preparing to go to dinner with Ona

Tonight on House of Zwide: Soka is forced to lie after Mampho catches him prepar...

21/05/2024

Skeem Saam: Monday's episode, 20 May 2024 [video]

Skeem Saam: Monday's episode, 20 May 2024 [video]Missed an episode of Skeem Saam? No problem! Watch the latest episode of your favourite South African soapi...

21/05/2024

Popular children's TV shows you may have forgotten

Popular children's TV shows you may have forgottenSouth African television channels have entertained us over the years. Here is looking back at some popular...

21/05/2024

Actor Dumisani Dlamini discusses his role in Isitha: The Enemy'

Actor Dumisani Dlamini discusses his role in Isitha: The Enemy'Legendary actor Dumisani Dlamini has landed the character of Nsimbi in e.tv's popular te...

21/05/2024

Tonight on Smoke and Mirrors: General's romantic gesture to Lulu meets with hesitation

Tonight on Smoke and Mirrors: General's romantic gesture to Lulu meets with ...

20/05/2024

Tonight on Skeem Saam: Ntswaki sneaks Toby into the house, but sadly for her, Leeto arrives unannounced

Tonight on Skeem Saam: Ntswaki sneaks Toby into the house but sadly for her, Lee...

20/05/2024

Tonight on House of Zwide: Soka decides to explore things with Ona while still seeing Mampho

Tonight on House of Zwide: Soka decides to explore things with Ona while still s...

20/05/2024

Tonight on Smoke and Mirrors: Jaxon and Caesar fail in their attempt to corrupt Phakathi

Tonight on Smoke and Mirrors: Jaxon and Caesar fail in their attempt to corrupt ...

20/05/2024

Tonight on Scandal: Dintle's work life suffers as she struggles to hold it all together

Tonight on Scandal: Dintle's work life suffers as she struggles to hold it a...

20/05/2024

RIP: Two deaths' on Shaka ILembe' production

RIP: Two deaths' on Shaka ILembe' productionTwo people, who are part of the Shaka Ilembe' production set to return for a second season, have repo...

20/05/2024

Gangsterism in movies and television: Wees geskool'

Gangsterism in movies and television: Wees geskool'Gangsterism has been portrayed in movies and television: but have you ever seen these films and televisi...

20/05/2024

School project features Die Antwoord' [Watch]

School project features Die Antwoord' [Watch]School projects are difficult. However, this student took some inspiration from the controversial band Die An...

20/05/2024

Tonight on Skeem Saam: Ntswaki sneaks Toby into the house but sadly for her, Leeto arrives unannounced

Tonight on Skeem Saam: Ntswaki sneaks Toby into the house but sadly for her, Lee...

19/05/2024

House of Zwide' June Spoiler: The Zwides recover their millions

House of Zwide' June Spoiler: The Zwides recover their millions The House of Zwide' June teasers reveal that Funani and Nkosi will recover a share of t...

18/05/2024

Skeem Saam: Friday's episode, 17 May 2024 [video]

Skeem Saam: Friday's episode, 17 May 2024 [video]Missed an episode of Skeem Saam? No problem! Watch the latest episode of your favourite South African soapi...

18/05/2024

Shaka Ilembe' approved for season three

Shaka Ilembe' approved for season threeMzansi Magic's hit series Shaka Ilembe' which stars Nomzama Mbatha has been commissioned for a third season....

17/05/2024

Tonight on Skeem Saam: Lehasa gets a rude awakening when Kgosi blackmails him

Tonight on Skeem Saam: Lehasa gets a rude awakening when Kgosi blackmails himDon't miss Friday, 17 May's riveting episode of South African soapie Skeem ...

17/05/2024

Tonight on House of Zwide: Dorothy is blown away by Ona's sketches for her wedding dress

Tonight on House of Zwide: Dorothy is blown away by Ona's sketches for her w...

17/05/2024

Tonight on Scandal: Dintle has a visit from her past that leaves her very unsettled

Tonight on Scandal: Dintle has a visit from her past that leaves her very unsett...

17/05/2024

Skeem Saam: Thursday's episode, 16 May 2024 [video]

Skeem Saam: Thursday's episode, 16 May 2024 [video]Missed an episode of Skeem Saam? No problem! Watch the latest episode of your favourite South African soa...

17/05/2024

Prison Journalism: Letter to my mothers

Prison Journalism: Letter to my mothersThabo Mthembu was incarcerated in Pollsmoor Prison from 2014 to 2019. Read Thabo's story by Thabo Mthembu 17-05-20...

17/05/2024

Paul McCartney becomes UK's first billionaire musician

Paul McCartney becomes UK's first billionaire musicianMusic icon Paul McCartney has become the UK's first billionaire musician, according to the Sunday ...

17/05/2024

Tonight on Smoke and Mirrors: Sakhile advises Tiny against sabotaging Petunia

Tonight on Smoke and Mirrors: Sakhile advises Tiny against sabotaging PetuniaDon't miss Friday, 17 May's riveting episode of South African soapie Smoke ...

16/05/2024

Tonight on House of Zwide: Nkosi is angry and accuses Shoki of keeping secrets from him

Tonight on House of Zwide: Nkosi is angry and accuses Shoki of keeping secrets f...

16/05/2024

Tonight on Smoke and Mirrors: Phakathi examines the CCTV coverage and questions Jaxon

Tonight on Smoke and Mirrors: Phakathi examines the CCTV coverage and questions ...

16/05/2024

Tonight on Scandal: A terrifying story pushes Dintle into making a life-altering decision

Tonight on Scandal: A terrifying story pushes Dintle into making a life-altering...

16/05/2024

Irma Stern's 1930 portrait Cape Girl with Fruit headlines SA art auction

Irma Stern's 1930 portrait Cape Girl with Fruit headlines SA art auctionAn Irma Stern painting from 1930 leads Strauss & Co's diverse catalogue of moder...

16/05/2024

Prison Journalism: The role my mother played in my life

Prison Journalism: The role my mother played in my lifeWesley Leong was incarcerated at the age of 15 in 1996 at Pollsmoor Prison. He is currently part of Resto...

16/05/2024

Actress Sibongokuhle Cele joins Muvhango'

Actress Sibongokuhle Cele joins Muvhango'Model and former Durban Gen' actress Sibongokuhle Cele has secured a role in SABC2's soapie Muvhango'...

16/05/2024

Tonight on Skeem Saam: Carol sees Ntswaki getting up to no good with Toby

Tonight on Skeem Saam: Carol sees Ntswaki getting up to no good with TobyDon't miss Thursday, 16 May's riveting episode of South African soapie Skeem Sa...

16/05/2024

Skeem Saam: Wednesday's episode, 15 May 2024 [video]

Skeem Saam: Wednesday's episode, 15 May 2024 [video]Missed an episode of Skeem Saam? No problem! Watch the latest episode of your favourite South African so...

16/05/2024

Monet painting fetches R640 million at New York auction

Monet painting fetches R640 million at New York auctionA Monet has sold for nearly R640 million at auction, Sotheby's said, marking a solid start to New Yor...