OUT LGBT Well-being welcomes the passage of the Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill by the National Assembly on Tuesday, putting the country in line with several other democracies.
The Bill, once passed by the National Council of Provinces and signed into law by the President, will strengthen the prosecution of hate crimes and improve the documentation of these crimes. It will also criminalise hate speech that demonises and harms vulnerable communities.
“Hate crimes and hate speech are an ongoing scourge in South Africa. They are distinct from other crimes in that they are not only targeted at individuals but also the groups to which they belong. While not being a cure-all, we believe that the Bill will play a valuable role in curtailing these human rights violations against the LGBTIQ+ and other communities,” says Lerato Phalakatshela, OUT Human Rights Manager.
OUT urges the National Assembly and President Cyril Ramaphosa to promptly ensure that the Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill comes into effect.
ENDS
FOR MEDIA / EDITORS
For more information or to arrange an interview please contact Luiz De Barros, OUT’s Strategic Communications Manager, at debarrosl@out.org.za.