LETTER: No place in SA for Muslim body’s LGBTQ+ condemnation

The recent fatwa issued by the Muslim Judicial Council (MJC) on homosexuality must be condemned as it is harming the LGBTQ+ community. The fatwa states that Islam has no place for men and women living a gay lifestyle.

Despite the constitutional and legislative protection of the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, there are distinct disparities between the policies that govern the country and the lived experiences of residents who are part of this community.

LGBTQ+ people around the country contend with sexual violence, torture and even murder because of who they are. By issuing this fatwa, the MJC has shown its failure to not only tackle the discriminatory social norms that underpin violence against LGBTQ+ people but has also failed to support LGBTQ+ Muslims.

The DA will not be swayed by conservative, outdated, narrow-minded beliefs in our country. In the new SA, there is no room for hatred. The DA is committed to challenging human rights violations that seek to target the LGBTQ+ community. We are committed to being part of the solution.

Nico de Jager, Member of the Gauteng legislature

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