Marriage Bill hearings: Kimberley religious leaders oppose same-sex unions
During Parliament's public hearings, several representatives of the Christian political party, Hope4SA, accused MPs of wanting to impose secular views on the country.
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CAPE TOWN - Strong opposition has been expressed against the Marriage Bill in Kimberley on Monday, where several religious leaders and scholars have, in particular, taken issue with the inclusion of same-sex unions.
During Parliament's public hearings, several representatives of the Christian political party, Hope4SA, accused MPs of wanting to impose secular views on the country.
They say marriage officers can not be punished for refusing to conduct same-sex unions when it goes against their religious beliefs.
The Marriage Bill aims to regularise all marriages under a single law irrespective of religion, sexual orientation or cultural beliefs.
It would do away with the Civil Union Act, which for almost twenty years has legalised same-sex unions in South Africa.
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But Hope4SA's pastor Andre Strauss contended the Kimberley community remains largely opposed to such marriages.
"If the same-sex marriage is countered with real marriage, it will weaponise sin promotion and persecution. If this bill gets passed, state marriage officers can lose their jobs and wedding venue owners can be sued if they refuse because of their Christian religion."
The African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP)'s Zeilede Kgomongoe said the bill undermines the traditional definition of marriage, and it does not represent the values of many South Africans.
"We will not stand idly by while our rights to freedom of religion and consigns are trampled upon. The ACDP believes the traditional family unit with a mum and a dad is essential to the well-being of our society."
The hearings continue.