In reaction to the article’s hateful and prejudicial content the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) received a flood of complaints. The SAHRC launched an application in the Equality Court seeking an apology and damages from Qwelane on the grounds that the con [...] Qwelane has launched a constitutional challenge against the hate speech provisions of the Equality Act. [...] The Psychological Society of South Africa (PsySSA) was admitted as amicus curiae (‘friend of the court’), and will lead evidence on: • The nature and extent of the material harm caused by homophobic hate speech and its impact on LGBTI people and society at lar [...] • The important of the hate speech provision of the Equality Act to stem systemic verbal and physical violence, noting that although it limits the right to freedom of expression, it does so in a manner which satisfies the requirements of the Constitution. [...] People Opposing Women Abuse (POWA) will present evidence in the case: • In 2008 POWA lodged a complaint with the SAHRC against the article and is expected to be on the witness stand, based on this complaint. [...] There will be a presence of people at court from the areas were POWA has branches, namely Soweto, Evaton, Katlehong, Vosloorus and Tembisa. The case was set down to be heard in August last year, however in the eleventh hour Qwelane applied for a postponement, which [...] The postponement was appealed, and in December 2016 the Constitutional Court handed down a unanimous judgment stating that in granting the postponement, the High Court had undertaken a “miscarriage of justice”. [...] The case is now set down in the South Gauteng High Court from 6-‐17 March 2017. [...] A strong civil society presence at court will highlight the demand that powerful individuals be held accountable for hate speech, particularly in light of high levels of prejudice and hate crimes against LGBTI people. [...] • Show solidarity against all forms of hate speech by being present at the South Gauteng High Court, in Johannesburg (6-‐17 March).
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