South Africa Ruling Extends Marriage Equality to Same-Sex Couples
Posted by NEWS from the Human Rights Campaign on December 2, 2005, 4:59 pm
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Anna Lucas
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_____________________________________________
NEWS from the Human Rights Campaign
For Immediate Release - Thursday, December 1, 2005
Contact: Steven Fisher | Phone: (202) 216-1547 | Cell: (202) 431-7608
Contact: Brad Luna | Phone: (202) 216-1514 | Cell: (202) 812-8140
South Africa Ruling Extends Marriage Equality to Same-Sex Couples
"This ruling demonstrates South Africa's commitment to equality for all =
of its citizens," said Human Rights Campaign Marriage Project =
Vice-President Seth Kilbourn
WASHINGTON - South Africa's Constitutional Court extended equal rights =
and responsibilities to same-sex couples and their families today in a =
decision that will allow same-sex couples the freedom to marry in the =
next year. All 11 justices on the court ruled for marriage equality, =
with one justice advocating that the ruling go into effect immediately.
"This ruling demonstrates South Africa's commitment to equality for all =
of its citizens," said Seth Kilbourn, vice-president for the Human =
Rights Campaign marriage project. "South Africa joins the trend of =
nations around the world empowering every couple with the same tools to =
protect their families, and recognizing their equal dignity as =
citizens."
South Africa becomes the first African nation to extend marriage to =
same-sex couples. Elsewhere, Canada, Belgium, Netherlands and Spain =
grant equal marriage rights. Additionally Croatia, Denmark, Finland, =
France, Germany, Iceland, Israel, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, =
Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom all offer some =
level of domestic partnership or civil union protections to same-sex =
couples and their families.
The decision is the result of two cases - one filed by Mari=E9 Adriaana =
Fourie and Cecelia Johanna Bonthuys and the other filed by the Gay and =
Lesbian Equality Project. South Africa holds the distinction as having =
the only constitution in the world that explicitly includes protections =
against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
Among the rulings supporters is Anglican Archbishop Njongonkulu =
Ndungane who stated, "We recognize that we live in a country which is =
home to many beliefs, cultures and practices." As is the case in =
Massachusetts - the only state in the U.S. where same-sex couples can =
marry - Ndungane noted, "This ruling does not compel any religious =
denomination or minister of religion to approve or perform same-sex =
marriages, therefore it should not cause alarm."
The Human Rights Campaign is the largest national lesbian, gay, bisexual =
and transgender political organization with members throughout the =
country. It effectively lobbies Congress, provides campaign support and =
educates the public to ensure that LGBT Americans can be open, honest =
and safe at home, at work and in the community.
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