Photo: Unsplash
Photo: Unsplash
An almighty row is brewing within the Johannesburg Council buildings, after the DA’s pleas to fly the Pride Flag above the iconic location fell on deaf ears. It has been ten days since the opposition asked the ruling party to show their support for the LGBTQIA+ community – and they’ve even had a motion to enforce the decision shot down.
ANC end up in ‘Pride Flag’ row
June marks ‘Pride Month’ across the world, celebrating the achievements of gay, lesbian, trans and queer figures throughout history. The event also acknowledges the oppression this community continues to face – and despite having a modern constitution to protect the rights of those who identify as LGBTQIA+, South Africa remains a hotbed of hatred.
Several homophobic killings have taken place in the last couple of months – the most recent of which shook the nation. Anele Bhengu, of KZN, was found stabbed to death and dumped in a ditch just two weeks ago. Her sexuality is believed to be a motivating factor behind the murder. So as the DA sees it, the least the ANC can do is fly the Pride Flag.
‘LGBTQIA+ people need to feel supported’ – DA
Nico de Jager, and MPL in Gauteng, has expressed his disappointment in this alleged ‘lack of support’ shown by ANC representatives inside the Johannesburg Council. The DA raised the issue during a meeting in Tshwane yesterday, and they are hoping that a campaign of sustained pressure can change the ‘deeply disheartening’ attitudes elsewhere.
“The ANC Speaker to date has still failed to ensure the flag has been raised over the province’s highest decision-making body. Further to this, the DA is also deeply disheartened by the attitude of the Speaker in the Johannesburg Council who disallowed a motion by DA Councillor Chris Avant-Smith to have the pride flag flown over the main building.”
“The lack of enthusiasm by both these ANC-led legislature bodies to show uncategorical support for LGBTQIA+ South Africans is horrifying, especially with many recent cases of homophobic-based violence in the province and across SA. South Africans of the LGBTQIA+ community now more than ever, need to see solidarity from their public representatives.”
