home affairs refuses to marry gay couple (then apologises)

Begging to Differ

Wednesday, 31 August 2011

DA proves that it is a party for all South Africans – even gays

The Democratic Alliance has one again proved that it is a party for ALL South Africans. Earlier this week I wrote about a gay couple, Donovan and Michael from Port Elizabeth, who went to their local Home Affairs office to enquire about being married, only to be told that Home Affairs did not “do” same-sex marriages.

I immediately took up this case with DA shadow minister of Home Affairs, Hon Annette Lovemore MP. She was quick to respond and followed up the matter with the Home Affairs Department and alerted the Director-General to the matter. Home Affairs provincial manager Sonto Lusu yesterday personally apologised to the couple after the PE office illegally turned down their request to be married. Lusu, not only apologised, but also offered to immediately ensure they get married at Home Affairs. Due to the stress of their ordeal, the couple has informed me that they have decided to marry privately – even though it will come at a cost – rather than take advantage of the free service Home Affairs is supposed to provide.

The facts of the matter are that the Constitutional Court instructed parliament to develop appropriate legislation around same-sex marriages. This was done, and the Civil Union Act of 2006 was passed. South Africa recognises the right of same-sex couples to be married! The couple was told unequivocally that Home Affairs could not help them as it did not “do” gay marriages. The DA feels that this is utterly unacceptable. Why does the Department of Home Affairs even entertain the appointment of marriage officers who are not prepared to conduct civil unions? The men in question, and other gay couples like them, are in love, and they wish to show their commitment to each other by entering into a civil union. They have a constitutional right to do so.

On a side note, as a DA politician I will continue to represent the rights of ALL South African, even if some people are offended by this. Public representatives need to uphold all aspects of our constitution, as a constitution is like a fragile house of cards – if we start to allow some aspects to collapse the whole thing will fall.

http://lanceweyer.blogspot.com/2011/08/da-proves-that-it-is-party-for-all.html?spref=fb