South Africa: Homophobia Trending Among Traditional Leaders

analysis

The proposed Constitutional amendment removing sexual orientation from protection against discrimination, alongside the Traditional Courts Bill, are grounds for deep concern. What's next - public flogging, the stocks and an Iron Maiden once a month?

In May 2011, a 13-year-old lesbian was raped in Atteridgeville, Pretoria. We can't say for sure whether this rape was an attempt to "cure" her of lesbianism. But in June of that same year, Noxolo Nkosana was given a clear signal that her lesbianism was part of the motivation for her assault by two men, who reportedly taunted her with shouts of "Hey you lesbian, you tomboy, we'll show you". Then they did "show her", stabbing her twice with a knife.

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