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CONSTITUTIONAL COURT JUDGEMENT HAS IMPORTANT IMPLICATIONS FOR HUMAN RIGHTS
The Commission on Gender Equality welcomes today's judgement by the Constitutional Court, which gives equal rights to the partners of gay and lesbian South Africans, who wish to apply for permanent residence in this country. The Commission was an applicant in the case, along with the Coalition for Gay and Lesbian Equality, and several individuals who were discriminated against by the Department of Home Affairs.
"The judgement has important implications for the legal recognition of different types of families and relationships", said Joyce Piliso Seroke, chairperson of the CGE, "It is an important step towards realising the Constitutional rights of all people, regardless of their gender, sexual orientation or marital status" .
The fact that the Constitutional Court acknowledges that marriage is only one form of life partnership, and that other forms of life partnership exist, is very promising for the many South African women who are presently in relationships that are not protected by the law.
For more information contact Chloe Hardy on (011) 403 7182
Issued by Commission on Gender Equality, 2 December 1999