‘Homosexuality is not a disease’ – HRC

The Human Rights Commission (HRC) said despite constitutional and legislature protection for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex (LGBTI) and gender non-conforming (GNC) people, the rights and violations of these communities remain under threat. The Citizen notes an HRC statement says it joined the world in commemorating the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. ‘Homosexuality is not a disease, nor is it a “condition”. Lesbians do not need to be “corrected”, nor do GNC individuals need to be “fixed” or “cured”,’ the statement said. ‘Individuals in these vulnerable communities continue to be subjected to hate crimes and gender-based violence, including murder, assault, humiliations and harassment.’ The commission reminded South Africans it was their duty to ensure the right to equality and the protection of LGBTI and gender non-conforming persons.