It has come to the attention of the Nelson Mandela Foundation that the words and image of Nelson Mandela are being used to infer that he was opposed to same sex marriage. The Nelson Mandela Foundation would like to correct this misrepresentation.
As South Africa’s first democratically elected president, Nelson Mandela signed into law a constitution that stood for the rights of all.
Chapter 9 of the Bill of Rights of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa says:
“The state may not unfairly discriminate directly or indirectly against anyone on one or more grounds, including race, gender, sex, pregnancy, marital status, ethnic or social origin, colour, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, conscience, belief, culture, language and birth.” In addition, “No person may unfairly discriminate directly or indirectly against anyone” on these grounds.
Same-sex marriage has been legal in South Africa since the Civil Union Act came into force on 30 November 2006.
We object to the misuse of the legacy of someone who worked precisely for the recognition of such rights.
ENDS