Cape Town – The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has urged calm amid alleged threats made against Dawood Lagardien, a shop owner in Gqeberha, South Africa.
Lagardien sparked controversy when he displayed a sign outside his shop banning gay, lesbian, and transgender individuals from entering.
According to MambaOnline, Lagardien confirmed that he put up the sign and explained that although gays and lesbians had always existed, they used to keep to themselves, and there was no judgment. However, he believed that LGBTQ individuals were now being imposed upon others.
He expressed concern about the alleged exposure of sexually explicit LGBTQ content to young children in schools.
When asked for specific examples, Lagardien claimed that schools were instructing children to ask their fathers about ejaculation.
Asked if he was aware of the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act (Equality Act), which prohibited discrimination in the provision of services in South Africa, Lagardien said he wasn’t concerned about the law.
“I don’t care if you want to sue me or report me,” he said. “I am allowed to put up a sign saying I don’t want LGBTQ people. I will not allow LGBTQ individuals in my shop, and no one can stop me!,” he said.
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Despite receiving threats to shut down his shop, he had not changed his stance, News24 reported.
On Monday, SAHRC provincial manager Dr Eileen Carter, said the commission had noted threats made against Lagardien.
“There were reports that civilians were protecting the shop from potential threats,” the report quoted Carter as saying .
The SAHRC has since engaged with Lagardien and is investigating the threats made against him.
The commission has called on the public to allow them to complete their investigation and protect the rights of all parties involved.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
