What is your opinion of the South African Civil Unions Bill?

Question

Yes, now gays can register a CIVIL UNION. BUT we still cannot get married legally. IS this just a continuation of APARTHEID (separate facilities for some groups), or should we accept the legislation?

PCee the principles of APARTHEID was exactly the same: Some rights will only be for some groups; and that was rejected by the whole world. Why should we as gays accept a so-called 'seperate but equal solution. I want marriage or nothing.

IndyT, I have read the Bill - It is civil unions and not marriage. It is a compromise to palacate the religious right. (ONLY men and woman can marry here)

ANYONE can register a civil union, BUT only a man and wife can register a marriage. The Bill is in direct opposition to the constitutional court order

Answer 1

I agree with you to a degree.

First of all it is disgusting to me that South Africa is so far ahead of the US in gay rights.

I think the state needs to get out of the marriage business. State sanctioned unions should have always been called something other than marriage.

To me marriage is a religious ritual....it is between me, the person I love, our community of faith and our God. Why would the government need to be part of that?

Civil unions grant the legal rights of a marriage and are appropriate for the state to perform.

Of course, in reality the state is never going to stop doing straight marriages, so we deserve nothing short of equal treatment.

Answer 2

I think if you read the bill you'll see that any couple can register their relationship as a marriage or a civil union. It does not reserve the term "marriage" for heterosexuals. It is, in fact, a bill to allow gays to be married. Here's' a link to a brief summary. http://jurist.law.pitt.edu/paperchase/2006/11/south-africa-assembly-passes-civil.php
Unfortunately, it does allow officials who object on religious grounds to decline to perform same sex unions, but I expect that'll be changed in the future.

It is a huge victory for equality in South Africa. If only the reactionary forces in America would follow suit.

And despite lots of church groups opposing it, the Dutch Reformed Church, which once gave religious cover to the policy of apartheid, is supporting marriage equality. Proof that if you live long enough, you might just see anything. I look forward to the day when the American religious right apologizes to the gay community for all the hatred they've preached against us for so long.

Answer 3

If you look, they are actually talking about MARRIAGE.......
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/12/01/AR2005120100583.html
not just civil unions.


Are you saying then that the NEWS STORY openly Lied?

JOHANNESBURG, Dec. 1 -- South Africa's highest court on Thursday recognized the marriage of two Pretoria women and gave Parliament a year to extend legal marital rights to all same-sex couples.

The ruling, greeted with jubilation by gay men and lesbians but with frustration by some church leaders, will make South Africa the first country to allow marriages between gay people on a continent where homosexual activity is widely condemned and often outlawed.

Answer 4

I think its a step farther than the united states is allowing. Its a move in the right direction to equality for ALL.

I do find it sad though that alot of other countries are ahead in this movement than the united states, especially since the united states brags about the freedoms and such.

Answer 5

There is something similar here in Buenos Aires City (I'm in Argentina)

I agree that gay marriage should be legal everywhere, but think that a civil union is better than nothing I guess...

Regards,

Answer 6

Accept what you have now. There is a growing number of hetrosexual people who choose not to marry as well and rely on the de facto clause when things don't work out. Something is still better than nothing.

Answer 7

It's a start in the right direction......but why bring Apartheid into it?? .....that is dead and gone.....replaced by Empowerment...which is a whole new can of worms {:o)