Press Release

May 8, 1996

South Africa Includes “Sexual Orientation” in New Constitution

Today, South Africa’s new Constitution comes into effect. The Constitution includes a Bill of Rights which explicitly protects lesbians and gays from discrimination. Clause 9(3) of the South African Bill of Rights (attached) states:

“The state may not unfairly discriminate directly or indirectly against anyone on one or more grounds, including race, gender, sex, pregnancy, marital status, ethnic or social origin, colour, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, conscience, belief, culture, language and birth.”

“We applaud the people of South Africa for their commitment to the human rights of all people,” said Nicole Laviolette, of the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission. “The inclusion of sexual orientation in the South African Constitution is a milestone in the history of a people who have struggled long and hard against discrimination, and an example to the rest of the world. It also sets a precedent for similar legislation currently pending in Poland.”

“Canada is justly proud of its human rights record” said John Fisher , Executive Director of EGALE. “We welcome Canada’s willingness to join the growing world community which is acting to protect lesbian and gay citizens from discrimination. We note also that ‘sexual orientation’ has been added to the South African Bill of Rights without qualification and without amendment. We call on Canada to reject amendments to Bill C-33 which would substantially undermine the purpose and intent of the Bill.”

For further information:
John Fisher, Executive Director, EGALE: (613) 230-1043
Nicole Laviolette, International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission: (613) 234-4160

Egale Canada ©2011

Égale Canada est l'organisme national de défense des droits des personnes LGBT, voué à la promotion de l'égalité, de la diversité, de l'éducation et de la justice.