ACDP appalled by Gay and Lesbian Alliance ultimatum on Matric Dances

Kenneth Meshoe, MP


The ACDP is appalled at the unnecessary pressure being exerted on high schools by the Gay and Lesbian Alliance (GLA) to “respond publicly by the last day of July that they are against any form of homophobia and would allow same-sex couples freedom at all levels of school activities”

GLA’s recent call on Education Minister Naledi Pandor to permit same-sex partners at Matric Dances or report these schools to the Human Rights Commission causes us to question what the fuss is all about.

For many years, schools have held Matric Dances where learners of the same sex danced together. This does not necessarily mean these learners are homosexual.

If the intention of the homosexual learner is to behave or dress in ways that are inappropriate at the Matric Dance, then the ACDP calls on the Education Minister to take a stand against this.

Forcing high school principals, who may disapprove of a homosexual lifestyle, to publicly declare it appropriate in terms of a school dance is unacceptable.

The GLA must not confuse disapproval of a homosexual lifestyle with discrimination.