Wednesday, July 01, a day which should have been about celebrating the entrance of a new month was a sad day in history as it ushered in the beginning of dictatorial and draconian legislation that will have the effect of forcing people to deny and disobey the tenets of their faith.

It was a day in which parliaments second house, the National Council of Provinces adopted the Civil Union Amendment Bill. 

Adoption of this bill, in practical terms means the removal of the “conscientous object clause” contained in section 6 of the Civil Union Act.

What, this in turn means, is that all marriage officers under the State, i.e.  Home Affairs officers and judicial officers (Magistrates) are obliged to solemnize same sex marriages irrespective of what their faith, conscience or belief is.

Should any such officer object to this, their only option will be to look for alternative employment. Not only is this a highly discriminatory practice to members of the Christian faith, but it is also in violation of the Freedom of religion clause contained in the South African Constitution.The right to freedom of religion is enshrined in the Constitution of South Africa. Chapter 2 of the Constitution of South Africa, containing the Bill of Rights and states that everyone has the right to freedom of religion, belief and opinion.

People should have a right to freely practice the tenets of their faith without being forced to do what is against it.

#LetTheChurchBreathe

Pearl Kupe