18 July 2025 – OUT LGBT Well-being welcomes and commends the Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) for it’s decision to reject the application to register the political party known as the “Islamic State of Africa (ISA)”.
This is a necessary decision published by the Commission on the 12 July 2025 that affirms South Africa’s constitutional values of dignity, equality, and freedom of belief — values that must never be compromised. The public opposition to the party’s registration reflects a collective rejection of it’s ideologies that were viewed as being rooted in exclusion, fear, and religious extremism. The proposed adoption of Sharia law (which bases laws, rights and conduct on Islamic religion rather than secular human rights) and the party’s name — disturbingly similar to ISIS/ISIL — raised deep concern, particularly among communities already vulnerable to religious and other violations and marginalization due to being LGBTQIA+.
We are reminded of the recent “LGBTQ not welcome at La Gardi” sign placed by business owners siting religious belief as their bases for excluding queer community members from being served at their store. Additionally, the resulting string of hate crimes in Gqeberha where LGBTQIA+ individuals were targeted with violence allegedly rooted in religious extremism. We also recall the targeted threats and hostile actions against Imam Muhsin Hendricks, a prominent advocate for queer Muslims, whose work in promoting inclusion, compassion, and human dignity has been met with animosity from those seeking to weaponize religion.
OUT stands firmly in the belief that freedom of religion cannot come at the expense of other constitutional rights — especially the rights of women, LGBTQI+ individuals, and religious minorities. South Africa is a secular democracy and political formations that aim to impose religious law on the population violate the very foundations of that democratic state. We urge all South Africans to remain vigilant against rising fundamentalism and to actively defend the rights of all people to live free from violence, hate, and discrimination — regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or belief system.
OUT and it’s constituents applaud and thank the IEC for upholding these shared democratic values for the good of all. The commissions full statement may also be read for more information by [clicking here].