South African Ministry of Justice probes Gay Cure Arts School

By Melanie Nathan, January, 19, 2013.

The South African Justice Ministry has called on the Human Rights Commission to investigate claims of unfair discrimination at the Creare Training Centre in Bloemfontein. A week ago we reported that Creare Training Center’s prospectus claimed it could convert gay students into heterosexuals through “rehabilitation” and the discriminatory statements on the Prospectus, which may breach the South African Constitution and the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act of 2006.

We reported and provided a screenshot of this statement by the Center which is an Arts academy, claiming charitable status in Bloemfontein, a beacon of conservatism in South Africa:-

“According to the Statement of Faith in the Constitution of Creare training Centre, we believe in the principle of relationship fundamental to personal sexual orientation being founded on that of heterosexuality. Therefore any person wanting to pursue a lifestyle contrary and is not willing to be discipled in this regard, will not be permitted to continue further studies or lecture. We offer ministry to help people that want to change their sexual orientation A.E Homosexuality & Lesbianism to heterosexuality.”

The South African Constitution provides full equality based on Sexual orientation and gender identity.

The ministry issued a statement on Friday:

“We trust the SA Human Rights Commission will be able to use its extensive powers to investigate this matter and to take the necessary and appropriate action. The notion that a person’s sexual orientation can be changed at will, or by compulsion, feeds the very same homophobic attitudes that encourage the criminal and abhorrent practice of so-called corrective rape.”

Creare founder Cornelius van Heyningen denied the institution was discriminatory.

“We are catering for those who say ‘I want to change as a homosexual’. That’s not saying no homosexuals are allowed,” he was quoted as saying

Read our earlier report and the extensive controversial comments from all sides at: http://oblogdeeoblogda.me/2013/01/13/south-african-christian-arts-academy-claims-it-can-cure-gays/

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC):

VISION Transforming society. Securing rights. Restoring dignity.

MISSION
The Commission as the independent national human rights institution is created to support constitutional democracy through promoting, protecting and monitoring the attainment of everyone’s human rights in South Africa without fear, favour or prejudice.

VALUES
The values of the Commission are: integrity, honesty, respect, objectivity, Batho Pele Principles, and equality

ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE
The South African Human Rights Commission is made up of Commissioners and a Secretariat. Commissioners provide strategic leadership and direct policy. They are appointed by Parliament on a seven-year term and can be reappointed to an additional term.

CONSTITUTIONAL MANDATE
The mandate of the Commission as contained in Section 184 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Act 108 of 1996 is as follows:
1. The South African Human Rights Commission must –
a) promote respect for human rights and a culture of human rights;
b) promote the protection, development and attainment of human rights; and
c) monitor and assess the observance of human rights in the Republic.

2. The Commission has the powers, as regulated by the national legislation, necessary to perform its functions, including the power –

a) investigate and report on the observance of human rights;
b) take steps and secure appropriate redress where human rights have been
violated;
c) carry out research; and
d) educate.

THIS IS THE PROSPECTUS STATEMENT AND RELATED PRACTICES TO BE INVESTIGATED:

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• South African Christian Arts Academy Claims it Can Cure Gays (oblogdeeoblogda.me)