SUPPORT THE PETITION TO EXPELL NWU HOMOPHOBE: SHAUN CHRISTIE!

On the 6th of February 2024, senior (final-year) law student, Shaun Christie, at the North-West University (NWU). Was (provisionally) expelled at the University for his disruptive anti-LGBTQ rhetoric at a student orientation proceeding on the main campus amphi-theatre. His arguments were that the University was indoctrinating first-years with its inclusivity towards LGBTQ-persons. And that "they aren't allowed to preach about Jesus Christ, but have to listen to this shit" [sic.] according to his 'statement' on his Facebook profile..

He is seen disrupting the first-years orientation, and receiveing rounds of applause from the audience for his bigotry. And instead of using the University's disciplinary actions to his antics, as a sign to self-reflect: he has taken to social media to garner support for his cause. And has painted himself as a victim of "higher authorities" [sic.] promoting the indoctrination of LGBTQ values, to NWU students. It stands to reason that Mr. Christie (as a self-proclaimed final-year law student) is not only in contravention of campus policy, regarding his misconduct, but shows a blatant disregard for authority overall. There have been many anti-LGBTQ evangelists in South Africa: Steve Hofmeyr, Gretha Wiid, etc. who all had to answer to the South African Human Rights Comission (SAHRC) for their bigoted (and unfair) targeting and discrimination against LGBTQ-persons, and subsequently paid dearly for it...

Mr. Shaun Christie should be treated as no different and ought to be made an example of. Even though the SA Constitution 1996 provides for Freedom of Expression 16(2)c, this right is restricted to: the advocacy of hatred based on prescribed protected attributes (non-derogable rights). Furthermore, the SA Constitution also provides that everyone has the right to have their dignity respected and protected (s.10). And as a law student, Mr. Christie shows little, to no regard for these legal provisions.

Moreover, Mr. Christie's actions are also tantamount to a hate crime, as per the definition provided in s.3(1)h,p,q of the Prevention and Combatting of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Act 9 of 2018. Further justifications for such an accusation, is clarified in s.4(1)a, i and ii of the same Act. Moreover, even though the SA Constitution also provisions freedom of religion, belief and opinion s.15(1). This does not include hate speech and discrimination tantamount to crimen injuria against the LGBTQ community. Something which Mr. Christie should understand and respect, as a future legal practitioner! 

The NWU (North-West University) is encouraged to take further strict and decisive action by making an example of Mr. Christie. Who clearly in his intolerance towards LGBT inclusion: portrays himself as a typical "homophobe", and should therefore be made an example of. There have been many individuals in South Africa in recent times, who have publicly projected hate speech (against LGBTQ-persons), in the name of Christianity. And it is, once again, time that those who try and emulate such rhetoric in public or in private, should be held accountable. By serving as examples to both the public, as well as to future perpetrators. 

Hate crimes are a crime in South Africa. And they should be treated as such! Sign this petition and get Mr. Christie expelled from the North-West University, Faculty of Law. South Africa needs legal practitioners who uphold the laws of this country, and do not allow their religious convictions (biases) to obstruct their professional legal obligations to the public. May this serve as a lesson to all future homophobes: you will never win! In a country where student hate-crimes denigrate University reputations: the NWU should not hesitate to display a zero tolerance policy, toward hate crimes of any sort.

Fiat iūstitia ruat cælum! (Let justice prevail though the heavens fall!)

Sincerely, the queers and their straight allies!