Marriage officers gay friendly south africa

She told the African News Agency that she was aware of a couple who tried to get married in Port Elizabeth, where they were rejected. They then tried to be married in Uitenhage, but were rejected there as well. Eventually they had to travel all the way to Grahamstown — only here did they find a marriage official who agreed to officiate their wedding ceremony. The couple was made subject to various derogatory terms and were sworn at.

We use cookies to improve your experience on our website. By using our website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our updated Cookie Notice. In fact it was the first country in the world to protect against discrimination based on sexual orientation and the fifth to legalize same-sex marriage. On paper, this country is a haven for people like me, but there lies a stark contrast between the written policies and lived experiences. This is where we need to direct our focus. The Civil Union Act came into power on the 30 November after the ruling on the case of Minister of Home Affairs vs Fourie , in which a lesbian couple fought to claim their rights in a country where, post-apartheid, we worked towards eliminating identity-based discrimination.

Home affairs marriage officers have to officiate same-sex marriages, even though they may object to them. It will now go to the National Council of Provinces for concurrence. The bill repeals section 6 of the Civil Union Act, which allowed a marriage officer to inform the minister that he or she objected to solemnising a civil union between persons of the same sex on the grounds of conscience, religion and belief. Carter described the amendment as a timely reminder of the ethos that should inform the provision of government service, and of the values and principles that should inform the morality of those seeking to become civil servants.

This week, 29 March to be specific, marked the third anniversary of same-sex marriage in the UK. Thinking of taking the plunge? The wedding is all well and good, but the honeymoon can be better. Located in the middle of nowhere but probably one of the most romantic destinations in the world, Bora Bora is at the top of my honeymoon list.