Gay lecturer sues Pta church

2008-08-11 21:31

Pretoria - A music lecturer claimed R100 000 from the N G Kerk Moreleta Park for sacking him because of a gay relationship, the Pretoria High Court heard on Monday.

He also demanded an "unconditional" apology from the church.

Johan Strydom, 31, who now lives in Jeffreys Bay, claimed the church unfairly discriminated against him and impaired his human dignity.

He was sacked from his post as lecturer in the church's Arts Academy in July 2005.

He told the court on Monday he was called for a meeting after the church received an anonymous call, informing it that he was involved in a homosexual relationship.

Strydom said he did not deny the allegation, but refused to attend the meeting as he felt his sexual orientation was a private matter.

He then received an e-mail from the congregation manager, informing him that the church's position on sexual orientation was a non-negotiable principle.

Services not required

The e-mail said the church could not deviate from this principle and his services were no longer required - notwithstanding the high quality of his work.

Strydom, who at one stage burst into tears, said he felt sexual orientation was a small part of a person.

"Why is it not necessary for a heterosexual person to say on his application that he is heterosexual? I can't see why I had to tell anyone I was homosexual," he said.

"... I was merely a music lecturer, not a spiritual leader. I was not even a member of the N G Kerk."

Strydom said he became aware that he was "different" at a young age when he realised that he was attracted to men.

He never felt this was in conflict with his religious beliefs, as it was a matter between him and God.

'I've made peace with it'

"That's how I was made. I cannot change it. I've made peace with it. It's not about the church or a person's interpretation, but about my personal relationship with God."

The church denied that it had unfairly discriminated against Strydom, or that there had been any formal employment contract between them.

It said in court papers Strydom knew he did not qualify for a position in the church for as long as he was involved in an active homosexual relationship.

"Just as the respondent would not allow its ministers, officials, spiritual leaders and lecturers to be alcoholics or to have active extra-marital affairs, it could not allow them to be involved in active homosexual practices," the church said.

- SAPA