SAHRC takes Gqeberha shop to court over LGBTQI+ ban
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has confirmed that it is taking the owner of La Gardi shop to the Equality court over remarks against the LGBTQI+ community.
The Gqeberha-based catering shop placed a sign outside the establishment saying that LGBTQI+ people are not welcome.
“LGBTI not welcome at La Gardi catering plastics, save our children,” the sign read.
The sign sparked outrage from the public, calling for the establishment to be closed.
The Commission's Eastern Cape Provincial Manager, Dr Eileen Carter says apart from opening their own investigation they have also received complaints from the public.
"From our assessment, it became clear that the conduct constitutes unfair discrimination, hate speech and harassment as the promotion of equality and prevention of unfair discrimination act," says Carter.
"We have resolved to urgently lodge our papers in court, and we are taking the matter to the equality court," she says.
Carter says the right of admission reserved is not superior to the Constitution of the land.
"We need to remind business owners that the right of admission reserved certainly does not trump the national legislation of the country, which we are bound by. If you do want to provide service to the public, make sure that you provide the service to all."
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