MALEMA: “LOVE GAY PEOPLE”
Julius Malema (Pic: EFF)
Controversial Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) head Julius Malema, who is facing corruption charges, today urged his followers to “love gay people”.
The Mail & Guardian reported that Malema spoke outside the Polokwane High Court on Thursday after learning that his bid to have the charges dismissed had failed.
In addition to slamming his former political home, the ANC, and Cosatu and President Jacob Zuma, he also told the crowd that they should support gay equality.
“Love gay people … It’s their choice,” he was quoted as saying (although it’s not clear what led him to address this particular topic).
Malema also spoke about the scourge of HIV, saying: “Some of you are HIV-positive but you are ashamed, you’re not telling your family. Don’t feel under pressure to tell anyone. Gather the necessary courage and tell those who love you. We love you. I’m proud of you. No one has the right to judge you.
“We love those who have HIV and Aids in the world. We love all the gay people in South Africa and the world,” he added.
In 2009, Malema was slammed for his statements on intersex people when he commented on the International Association of Athletics Federations’ handling of the Caster Semenya fiasco.
“Why should we be told today our children are hermaphrodites? She’s a girl and why should we accept concepts that are imposed on us by the imperialists? We will never agree to that concept. You are either a girl or a boy and that’s it,” said Malema.
That same year, he was nominated as Drama Queen of the Year by the tongue-in-cheek gay Feather Awards.
He responded by saying: “I don’t recognise [the awards]. I’m not a queen because a queen refers to a woman. Those who feel like participating in those awards can go ahead and do so. I’m a man, so why include me in that category? I’m not a queen. We make kings.”
The organisers later withdrew his nomination, explaining: “We never intended this ceremony to be an issue that would cause anyone stress or unhappiness.”
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I don’t want to sound like a pessimist, but honestly. Who can take this man seriously? I really think that even he is sometimes surprised at what comes out of his own mouth.
The founding manifesto of the EFF has from the very start adopted a remarkably progresive stance on gender issues; here is the text:
6. GENDER AND SEXUALITY QUESTION:
105. The EFF is against the oppression of anyone based on their gender, gender expression, or sexual orientation, meaning that we are against patriarchy, sexism, and homophobia in all of its manifestations. We are also against tribalism and religious and cultural intolerance. We oppose any cultural or religious practices that promote the oppression of anyone, especially groups that have been historically oppressed by such practices.
106. The EFF would strive to realise women’s liberation, through a variety of interventions, from education against patriarchy and sexism, to legislation and the close monitoring of the implementation of the same in order to realise women’s empowerment in society, the family and the workplace. The EFF believes that gender-based violence and related antisocial activities are reinforced and even sustained by the deplorable conditions of our people, therefore a key to female emancipation is the emancipation of all. The EFF will emphasise transforming the lives of our people in the ghettos from one of generalised structural violence as a mechanism to end all violence, including violence against women.
The whole documet can be read here: http://effighters.org.za/documents/economic-freedom-fighters-founding-manifesto/
Now why would I read this S head’s website?????? Really…
His stand on Gay Rights may be admirable (in the sense he is saying it), but quotes like this: “Love gay people … It’s their choice”. Focus on the last bit: It’s their choice. It is never a choice. Secondly, Homosexuality are more accepted by “imperialists” then natives, so once again, off-key facts he’s providing. And let’s not even start on stuff like someone who has undermine the human rights of various minority groups (as protected by the constitution), including gross defamation . How do we know he will not suddenly do the same against gay people? Someone who is not even a successful political party leader yet, and already facing corruption and racketeering charges (“criminal boss”). Also undermining the principles of democracy… So ya, good for him “liking” gay people (for now) but we cannot just look at gay matters when it comes to selecting a good politician, we have to look at other aspects too…
Mr Malema is a mampara. I would have supported the ANC and then he made such inane comments such as the DA being the party for whites etc. He say ANYTHING to garner votes. I get seriously pissed off with comments like the fact that he likes gays. What about the gay dickheads ( the people not the organ!). Does he like them too? He still hasnt learnt a thing. Mr Malema, love people for who they are. I know wonderful straight people and gay people I am ashamed to have known. Love people for their strength of character and not because they are black, gay, white etc… THEN and only then would you start gaining any kind of respect. Please dont make us out to seem like the idiots you so clearly are!
South Africa is better off without you… You are the biggest racist in this country and not a example for our youth…
There will always be pessimists, but the policy position of the EFF on gender issues, and the very brave public statement by Malema, are for black South Africans of monumental significance. This significance lies not least in the fact that it changes the framework of the debate around specifically gay and lesbian issues – do remember that the DA is not a strong supporter of gay rights as evidenced by their refusal to take a party position during the vote on same-sex marriage (they allowed MPs a ‘free vote’ unlike the ANC which instructed all MPs to vote in favour. There is every reason to believe that the EFF has a very reasonable prospect of winning the 2019 election – for the majority of South Africans having an upfront policy of tolerance is a very positive development.
In response to the EFF’s manifesto, it is quite obvious that they don’t follow what’s in it. “We are against…cultural intolerance”, and look at how they carry on; if anyone is culturally intolerant, it’s Ju-Ju. I wouldn’t take his comments seriously; this is most probably electioneering.
He’s probably saying this just to get votes but none the less, its hugely important for the improving acceptance towards lgbt peoples among those who usually scorn us. Just think, his words may in very real terms save one gay life in one township tonight!!!
Get lost you SOTE
Who are fooled by Malema and his buddy Mugabe? Not me