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The SA Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has opened an investigation into the matter of a shop owner in Gqeberha who has placed a sign outside his business, saying that LGBTQI people are not welcome.
The photos of the signs written 'LGBTI not welcome at La Gardi catering plastics, save our children' caused a stir on social media, as angered communities reacted to the message that was a violation of the Equality Act.
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Said the commission’s spokesperson, Wisani Baloyi:
Baloyi added that this matter may include taking the necessary steps to obtain redress from the relevant courts.
City Press reached out to the owner, Dawood Lagardien, who refused to comment on the matter.
Meanwhile, the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) says it is not aware of this incident. Its Eastern Cape office has received no complaint about this matter and cannot comment further.
“We will appreciate it if the complainant (s) can approach or get into contact with our offices on the matter,” said CGE spokesperson Javu Baloyi.
However, Isidima Collective, a rural human rights activist group, condemned the banning of the LGBTQI community at La Gardi.
According to the publication, MambaOnline.com, Largadien is quoted saying that while gays and lesbians have always existed, they had in the past “stayed in their lane, and we stayed in ours – we never judged them”. However, he asserted, LGBTQ people are now being “forced down our throat”.
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