SABC discriminates against gays, lesbians
The public broadcaster says it will not treat gay or lesbian families the same as heterosexual families when it comes to TV licenses.
Heterosexuals pay for one license per family regardless of family size, but gay and lesbian couples must pay individually even if they share a home
he South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) yesterday announced that they will not consider treating lesbian and gay couples on the same basis as married spouses.
The SABC allows married couples to only pay for one television license per family, regardless of the number of sets. However, lesbian and gay partners who cohabit and have more than one set, are forced to pay license fees individually.
Elaine Joseph, Manager: Arrear and Legal Accounts, at the SABC said in a letter to the National Coalition for Gay and Lesbian Equality's Legal Advice Centre (Coalition) that "I wish to confirm that homosexual people are presently still liable for payment on each television set".
The NCGLE responded to the SABC by issuing a letter of demand insisting that this practice be discontinued within seven days, failing which, the Coalition will consider initiating further action.
The Coalition said that although some may think that the TV license issue is a negligible one, it illustrates the disregard that some public corporations still have for lesbian and gay families.
"The SABC as a public broadcaster has a positive obligation to recognise our families," says Evert Knoesen of the Coalition.
"It is unacceptable that any institution that is funded by our public money should be allowed to get away with insulting our families, our dignity and our rights, in such a flagrant manner," says Knoesen. The gay rights organisation says that it will not let the matter rest until it is positively resolved.
The public broadcaster is moreover a state organisation and may not unfairly discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation.
Direct your complaints to the SABC's Chief Operating Officer, Neil Harvey, by e-mail: santhilals@sabc.co.za or phone: (011) 714 4010 or fax: (011) 714 4159
Lesbian and gay couples who are experiencing problems in this regard are invited to contact the National Coalition for Gay and Lesbian Equality by e-mail evert@ncgle.org.za, or admin@ncgle.org.za or to call them at 011 487 3810 for help and advice.
