Who are you to say I can’t marry


Date: January 1, 1970
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This article presents a case for recognition of same sex marriages beyond the legal definition of marriage. Same sex marriages continue to be prejudiced in their every day lives because their union is not legally recognised. The article has exposed constitutional gaps in South Africa

This article may be used in training to:
1. Demonstrate different rights and right violations within marriage laws.
2. Highlight limitations inherent in the legal definition of marriage in South Africa.
3. Explain the role of media in educating the public on stereo types.
4. Highlight to media the need to understand and explore gay and lesbian issues.
5. Demonstrate, especially to LGBTI people, how to write opinion and commentray to make issues known.
 
Trainer’s notes
The article won the Gender and Media Award 2006 in the category: Print: Opinion and commentary. The writer supports her argument by sharing personal examples where she is discriminated against. Although the constitution recognises same sex partnerships, financial institutions, medical aid schemes will not accord equal recognition and therefore gays and lesbians are not fully protected.
 
The writer challenges societal stereotypes and openly discusses her experience with her own partner. The writing style encourages the reader to debate the issue further and examine all angles. The reporter’s personal involvement and participation at the Constitutional Court hearing of same sex marriages where explanations of laughter, obvious tensions and sarcasm displayed became a strong testimony of the lower status granted to same sex marriages by society.
 
The writer strongly expresses her wish to have the law developed so that the state can solemnise her marriage. She suggests that the common law definition of marriage  needs to refer to marriage as the lawful and voluntary union of two persons. This will be consistent with South Africa’s role of bringing about positive social change on the continent.        
 
Discussion Questions
1. What are the steretypes about gays and lesbians? What is the image portrayed of gays and lesbians in society?
2. What are the cultural norms that influence the negative portrayal of gays and lesbians?
3. Are there gender biases contained in this story?
4. Can religion play a meaningful role in removing stereotypes, if so how?
5. What other sources could the writer have included in this story?
6. What is the role of media in challenging steretypes.
 
Training Exercises
1. Collect clippings of media reports on LGBTI issues. Analyse what voices are heard. How often do you see the opinions and perspectives of people from this community?
2. Conduct a scan of which countries within SADC guarantee rights for gays and lesbians.
3. Write an opinion/ commentary on some aspect of the gay and lesbian community or Interview one person from the community to write an "I Story."
 
Links to other training resources
1. Understanding the Challenges facing Gays and Lesbian South Africans: some guidelines for service providers. Page 7.
 
Related GL Commentaries


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