SOUTH AFRICA: Christian "Gay Cure" School Guilty Of Human Rights Violation

The South African Sunday Times reported in January that a local Christian school was advertising that it could "cure" students of homosexuality.

Creare founder Cornelius can Heyningen denied that the institution was discriminatory. "We are catering for those who say 'I want to change as a homosexual'. That's not saying no homosexuals are allowed." He compared the academy's stance on homosexuality to a drug rehabilitation programme. However, according to the prospectus, gay students who were unwilling to change their lifestyle would not be welcome. Gay rights organisation OUT director Dawie Nel told the newspaper the academy's stance was unconstitutional. "Their comments fuel violent discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender people, such as the rape of gays and lesbians to 'cure' them; or even murders being committed," he said.

This week the South African Human Rights Commission ruled that the school is guilty of unconstitutional discrimination.

The South African Human Rights Commission finds that the Creare Training Centre prospectus “Relationship Etiquette” which opposes same sex relationships; and calls for discipline or baring gays lesbians from attending classes, violates the rights to equality, dignity, religion, freedom of association, freedom and security of the person and education as enshrined in the constitution. Creare Training Centre is a voluntary association established under the leadership Our Father’s Home Church that specialises in Christian based studies, Christian Arts and Mission with its Head Office in Bloemfontein, Free State.

(Via Gay Star News)