South Africa's Commission on Gender Equality has made a landmark decision that puts South Africa on the gay rights forefront again. A pair of exclusively gay guest houses in Cape Town were challenged in court for discriminating against women, lesbians and heterosexual couples. The CGE sided with the guest houses. According to a 365gay.com report, the commission ruled that the guest houses were "serving a legitimate interest in... that they seek to create a comfortable environment for gay men where they can express themselves freely" The CGE also wrote, "It is the commission's view that accommodation of this nature is necessary in our democratic society to protect or advance legitimate interests of the aforementioned groups."This ruling makes up for years of discriminatory practices against South African gays, but where will the line be drawn? Will businesses tailored towards heterosexuals now be more inclined to exclude gays? Is this ruling favoritism or well-deserved gay reparation? In 2005, South Africa became the fifth nation to legalize gay marriage.
Should gays be allowed to discriminate? 1) Of course 2) Not at all 3) I don't care (see results)
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Legal Gay Marriage: South Africa 5th Country to Legalize Gay Marriage
News: Gays Can Discriminate South Africa Equality Board Rules
Discuss: Let's hear your comments below or discuss this ruling in the forum, which is always free and anonymous.
Image courtesy of Matthew Bowden.
I think that gay men should discriminate against straight men as a form of revenge.
as a girl i may not be in the right to say this on this board but as a bisexual and christian let me tell you, it is never right to discriminate, it only gives them more of a right to discriminate against you.
It depends on whether or not similar services are available in their area. Specializing is not discrimination in and of itself, but it’s probably not the best solution. Their stated reason for the rule was so that gay men can express themselves freely. A simple non-discrimination/intolerance policy for all tenants would have done the same job. However, as long as no one is being denied any form of the service in their area, it’s technically harmless.