Comments on: Mmusi Maimane forced to defend views on gay rights

By: Kyle

Kyle — Sat, 16 May 2015 09:29:21 +0000

Although interesting, both this article and the one cited in this link are very naive and ill-informed. Civil Unions in SA as per the Civil Union Act of 2007 are given the exact same rights and constitutional protections as civil marriages. The act also goes so far as to say that couples in civil unions are to decide to refer to their union as a civil union or civil marriage.

What we should be questioning more clearly is the position of the DA with regards to larger LGBTIA/Queer issues, like corrective rape and homeless LGBTIQ /Queer youth etc.

Let’s not be mistaken that Maimane’s, bigoted and extremely antiquated views, on a constitutionally protected right, will change the recognition of that right. The DA would require a 2 thirds majority to amend the Constitution, and let’s face it a privileged elitist party will never come close to those numbers. Especially not with an obvious attempt to try and fool the public into thinking they are diverse and embody the spirit of democracy by appointing a new ‘black’ face to their party.

Nice try DA, but no cigar.

By: Neil

Neil — Fri, 15 May 2015 12:19:38 +0000

In reply to Jared. I shudder to say it, but at least the ANC helped usher in the very equality we are enjoying today, and are making a clear statement as to where they stand on this issue, regardless of what a few in party bigots in their own ranks may say or believe. I think the community needs serious clarification from Mmusi so as to be put at ease.

By: Roy

Roy — Fri, 15 May 2015 11:50:34 +0000

A referendum? Since when do we allow the majority decide the rights of a minority. Say what you want about the ANC but they knew this wasn’t right, hence our constitution.

If the DA wants to go down this route then I will definitely re-evaluate my vote with them.

By: Jared

Jared — Fri, 15 May 2015 07:32:12 +0000

In reply to Marius. And then who will you vote for? I feel like the DA is the only party that is gay and lesbian-friendly. Mmusi may be their new leader but do his beliefs reflect that of his party?? That's the question we need to have clarified come voting time

By: Geraldo

Geraldo — Fri, 15 May 2015 06:07:27 +0000

The LGBT community should stop blaming… why don’t we have our own political party – to speak with our own voice… I’m tired of being marginalized by the heterosexual community. We should stand up and fight for our own rights!

By: Neil Coulson

Neil Coulson — Thu, 14 May 2015 20:50:37 +0000

In reply to Stephen. But some people do and they should have that right, the same as others

By: Marius

Marius — Thu, 14 May 2015 15:15:05 +0000

Looks as though this guy has a lot in common with our current president; both change their rhetoric according to the audience to whom they speak. You have squandered my vote DA, you are no longer a party supporting democratic principals and values. You will not get my vote again!

By: Stephen

Stephen — Thu, 14 May 2015 15:13:13 +0000

Personally though gay, I don’t give a fig for gay marriage. A civil union is good enough -I don’t WISH to emulate a heterosexual marriage nor do I wish to have a Christian marriage. It’s for the birds in my opinion.

By: Malan

Malan — Thu, 14 May 2015 11:58:52 +0000

Thank you for bringing this to our attention, mambaonline.

By: Neil Coulson

Neil Coulson — Thu, 14 May 2015 10:46:14 +0000

Agreed Xuan. I’ve been an avid DA supporter for MANY years but now my support is getting a little shaky. We’ve come too far as a community to allow someone to pull us back several notches. He needs to drop the political act and let us know where he truly stands on this issue.