Sex changes get recorded

2003-10-21 19:13

Cape Town - Draft legislation to amend the Birth and Death Registration Act, allowing people to apply to change the description of their sex as entered in the register, was approved in the National Council of Provinces on Tuesday.

Introducing debate on the Alteration of Sex Description and Sex Status Bill, Home Affairs Minister Mangosuthu Buthelezi said the measure made provision for people who had undergone a sex change, either through surgery or by the use of medication.

"I believe that this bill enhances the right to human dignity of those affected by it (sex change)," he said.

The bill allows people to apply to change the description of their sex in the national population register.

The legislation was passed unanimously, but some MPs had reservations.

New National Party MP Johannes Horne said the bill did not reflect the feelings of the normal man on the street.

"Is God really in this bill? God loves people who use the law, but will he love this action?" asked Horne, who at the end of his deliberation gave his party's support of the legislation.

Inkatha Freedom Party MP Jeanette Vilakazi said the new bill should not be abused by "those who wished to change their gender on a whim".

She said the bill would greatly assist people who were born with characteristics of both genders.

However, she cautioned that the new legislation could be used by criminals.

"I have said this before and some of you have laughed at me. This bill could be exploited by criminals and those of dubious morals."

She said as a Christian she was not completely comfortable with the bill, but gave her party's support.

The bill has already been approved in the National Assembly, and will now go to President Thabo Mbeki for his signature.

- SAPA