Media Statements

Justice Department commemorates International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia

17 May 2016

The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DOJ&CD) joins the world in commemorating the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT). IDAHOT is an annual landmark held on 17 May to draw the attention of decision makers, the media, the public, opinion leaders and local authorities to the alarming violation of rights perpetrated against lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) persons and all those who do not conform to majority sexual and gender norms.

In its quest to combat acts of homophobia and transphobia that are being perpetrated against the LGBTI community, the DOJ&CD and the National Task Team (NTT) has developed the National Intervention Strategy that is intended to address homophobic rapes and other action that are in violation of the rights of LGBTI people.

The NTT is constituted by government departments, Chapter 9 institutions and Civil Society Organisations that specialise in issues related to the LGBTI persons and communities. The NTT’s in implementation of the National Intervention Strategy, through its Provincial Task Teams will go a long way in ensuring that the rights of LGBTI are protected and promoted. “The challenge for us lies in changing the attitudes, to ensure that persons are not victims of violence or discrimination in their daily lives on the grounds of their sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression” said the Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mr. John Jeffery.

As we commemorate this important day, the Department urges our communities to  remember those who were killed, persecuted and stigmatised as a result of their sexual - orientation, gender identity and expression.

Issued by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development  
Enquiries: Advocate Mthunzi Mhaga
Spokesperson for the Department of Justice and Correctional services
0836418141
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