Muslim party Al-Jamah ah want LGBTQIA+ to be sidelined by government

Al-Jama ah has come under attack from other political parties for their anti-gay remarks over the inclusion of the LGBTQIA+ community in the discussion on the parliamentary process on new family policies.

Al-Jama ah has told LGBTQIA+ groups to ‘stop forcing its practices on society’ and calls on the government to dismiss any proposals it receives as they ‘want to define what a family is according to their definition.’

ALSO READ: LGBTQI staff at UCT against ‘homophobic’ Prof Lumumba’s lecture on campus

WHITE PAPER ON FAMILIES TO BE TABLED

Last month, during his Oral replies to questions in parliament, Deputy President Paul Mashatile announced Government will be tabling the revised White Paper on Families during this financial year.

The White Paper seeks to provide guidelines and strategies for promoting family life and strengthening of families.

It has defined a family as ‘a societal group that is related by blood (kinship), adoption, foster care or the ties of marriage (civil,
customary or religious), civil union or cohabitation, and go beyond a particular physical residence’.

ALSO READ: Uganda’s anti-LGBTIQIA+ law stirs mixed reactions in the world

The party has also slammed retailer Woolworths for their support of the LGBTQIA+ community.

“We further take cognisance of major businesses such as Woolworths that have adopted an arrogant ‘hard-right’ come out supporting LGBTQI+ campaigns without considering the rightful views of the majority, instead of perpetuating normal descent practices, it deliberately chose to make this abnormality normal and socially acceptable” says spokesperson Shameemah Salie.

“These are practices that undermine our cultural and religious identities and on top of this, they undoubtedly our God-given dignity”

ALSO READ: LGBTQIA+ rights in Africa: the state in the entire continent now

UDM AND DA CONDEMN HOMOPHOBIC UTTERANCES

UDM’s secretary-general Yongama Zigebe has accused Al-Jamah ah of hate speech.

“As we celebrate PRIDE month, we should call out public hate speeches such as Al-Jamah ah statement that infiltrate hate and create a precedence and homophobia, which results in hate crimes”, says Zigebe.

“We will strive to fight for an equal society where all human rights are protected, respected and rule of law is upheld.”

ALSO READ: ‘LGBTQIIA+ people not allowed’: McKenzie on his visit to Orania

The DA echoed the UDM’s stance and accused the party of trying to divide the country.

“We categorically denounce any attempt to scapegoat and divide South Africans based on race, sexual identity, or faith.”

“Hate has no place in our society, and we must strive for a future where hope prevails”, says spokesperson Solly Malatsi.