Same-sex marriages 'not holy'

18 Nov 2006- South Africa- Like politicians and religious leaders, ordinary South Africans are deeply divided over the controversial draft Civil Union Bill passed in the National Assembly this week, which means that gay and lesbian couples can now marry.

The legislation has been slammed by some as immoral, unnatural and even evil, while others feel it is about time that discrimination against same-sex couples was stopped.

Weekend Argus asked a number of Capetonians what they felt and got a mixed response. Tania Steyn from Grassy Park said she was not in favour of gay marriages because it was not God's plan for people of the same sex to marry.

Tafadzwa Mandishona from Woodstock said he had no problem with the new legislation. He said he believed people should do what they liked to express themselves and that gays and lesbians should be allowed to marry if they wanted to.

Faino John, also from Woodstock, agreed, saying people should be free to do what they want. "I think it is okay," she said.
But Peter Chidziva from Zimbabwe (where homosexuality is banned) said he did not agree with the legislation at all. "We are Africans and don't believe that same-sex marriages are holy. Traditionally, it is not right either," Chidziva said.

Monique van Dyk from Vredehoek said she really didn't mind. "People should be allowed to marry who they want." Gwendy van Dyk from District Six said she didn't know what all the fuss was about. "We should be ashamed it didn't happen long ago. We have a good constitution. How can we deny people the right to legalise their unions?"

Rheece MacKenzie from Brackenfell said everyone had a right to get married, including same-sex couples. "Whatever makes you happy," he said. Michelle Davy from Muizenberg said gay and lesbian couples experienced love just like anyone else."Live and let live. We have a liberal constitution," she said.

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