We've all seen the stories about hideous gay murders and corrective rape of women in South Africa. Interestingly, News24 turns off the comments on these stories. That annoys me, sure, but I can see why. My blood boiled today, when comments were allowed. Someone said: "Probably just a normal murder."
Normal? How is any murder normal? How can raping someone to stop them being gay be normal? Just as I ranted back at that moronic statement, comments were all removed and no more allowed.
I have to ask why though. I mean, we get to rant with comments on Zuma's "spear" and, wow, can some race related stuff get out of hand in the comments section - from all sides. What is it that makes these gay murder stories so quickly censored?
It won't be logic, that's for sure. We have a constitution that allows gay rights - equal rights in fact. Our constitution also allows for freedom of expression - whether for an artist or a guy who likes to wear make up and a skirt. It goes without saying that murder and rape are illegal.
Which leads us to the emotion-based ranting that would happen on a story like that. I have not seen any comments on any gay murder or corrective rape stories that are allowed to stay. This leads me to think that there is probably a very disturbing number of people that would have a very cavalier attitude towards it.
I would hope that nobody I know thinks gays get what they deserve in this matter. If they do, identify yourselves now and we can't be friends any longer. I will not have bigots on my friend list. Of any size, shape, religion, sexual orientation or colour.
I am so tired of reading about how homosexuality is un-African. Actually, it happens in every culture. In fact, new research shows that it serves us evolutionarily: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/12/why-are-there-gay-men_n_1590501.html?utm_hp_ref=uk.
Now, for the next reason people will use to justify their absolute bigotry - the Bible. The old testament does say it's not really done. But this is the same god that wants human sacrifice, turns people into pillars of salt and thinks stoning people to death is just peachy. Jesus said not word about homosexuality. Not one. For those who follow the old testament only - there is a problem. Several thousand of them in fact, but let's stick with the one I find most obvious. That same god is what shariah law is based on. The most disgusting and abhorrent form of religious law in existence. Where a young woman can be stoned to death because she was raped. So, Christians, you really should shut up about gayness (or show me where Christ spoke about it) and for the rest of you - can we spell Dark Ages?
So, what are we left with here as a reason for these appalling acts? I guess, truly it is a guess, that a culture here, while not condoning hate crimes against the lesbian and gay community, has been allowed to flourish. Our gay and lesbians may be protected by the constitution, but we do have a president who once described same-sex marriages as "a disgrace to the nation and to God."
OK. So we are clear here. Hitler never said "Kill the Jews." He merely didn't tell anybody not to. In Germany at that time the fear and loathing of Jews was so high, it seemed like a good idea to kill millions.
Quite frankly, I do not care if being gay offends people. If you don't like gayness - don't rush out and have intercourse with someone of the same sex. It's not like every gay or lesbian is out there trying to "turn" everyone else.
Besides, like being born black, white, coloured, being gay is not a choice. It is just the way some folk are born.
I get all high and mighty when I talk to my American friends because that country is so far behind us as far as constitutions go. When they point out gay men being decapitated or corrective rape, I hang my head in shame.
Stop it South Africa. We are better than this.
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