Divisive comments on same-sex relationships and homosexuality by ANC MP and Head of the Congress of Traditional Leaders, Patekile Holomisa have drawn criticism from defenders of same-sex equality and caused the ANC caucus in Parliament to issue a statement distancing itself from Holomisa’s words.

“The last time this issue was discussed was about same sex marriages. Most of the people in the caucus were opposed to it, but then Luthuli House and the leadership instructed us to vote for it,” Holomisa told City Press last week. He also told the paper that it was his belief that homosexuality occurred when certain rituals had not been applied at the right time, but agreed that gays and lesbians should not be “molested and raped”.

“… [W]hen the rituals are done the person starts to behave like other people in society. I don’t know how it works for people in other cultures and those who live in urban areas,” said Holomisa.

The paper learned that the Congress of Traditional Leaders wanted to remove the clauses protecting same-sex equality from the Constitution.

The protection of same-sex equality and traditional affairs have been uneasy bedfellows in South African society since transition eighteen years ago. Even the President has gotten into hot water by previously telling a gathering of supporters that if a gay man stood up to him, he would knock him down.

The ANC caucus in Parliament, led by Chief Whip Mathole Matshekga issued a statement distancing themselves from Holomisa’s comments,

“The ANC caucus distances itself from these views and would like it noted that at no stage has it considered debating this issue before Parliament,” Motshekga said, quoting Section 9 of the Constitution which outlaws unfair discrimination on grounds including sexual orientation.

Motshekga said the ANC caucus remained committed to the core values of the Constitution and Bill of Rights, and that he would be taking Holomisa’s comments up with the MP this week.

[Sources: News24, Daily Maverick]