On+remarks+made+about+gays+and+lesbians,+Jacob+Zuma


 * Friends of Jacob Zuma,** **28/9/2006 01:12:40 PM**

=Statement by ANC Deputy President Jacob Zuma=
 * //on remarks about gay and lesbian community//**


 * 28/9/2006 01:12:40 PM**

I have noted that the statements I made at the Shaka Day commemoration in kwaDukuza, KwaZulu-Natal on 24 September 2006 have been interpreted in various ways, and may have hurt and angered the gay and lesbian community in our country.

My remarks were made in the context of the traditional way of raising children. I commented in particular about the manner in which communities tend to neglect the boy children and over-emphasise the traditional upbringing of girl children as evidenced in ceremonies such as the reed dance. I said the communal upbringing of children in the past was able to assist parents to notice children with a different social orientation. I however did not intend to have this interpreted as a condemnation of gays and lesbians.

Our Constitution clearly states that nobody should be discriminated against on many grounds including sexual orientation, and I uphold and abide by the Constitution of our land. Our lesbian and gay compatriots are protected by the Constitution and I respect their rights, in my capacity as an individual citizen and as a member and one of the leaders of the ANC.

I also respect, acknowledge and applaud the sterling contribution of many gay and lesbian compatriots in the struggle that brought about our freedom, and the role they continue to play in the building of a successful non-racial, non-discriminatory South Africa.

I apologise unreservedly for the pain and anger that my remarks may have caused.


 * Issued by:**
 * Jacob Zuma**
 * Deputy President**
 * African National Congress**
 * PO Box 61884**
 * Marshalltown**
 * 2107**


 * From: http://www.friendsofjz.co.za/showarticle.asp?id=197**

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