
A business owner in the Eastern Cape has been receiving flak over a sign outside his shop that has social media users up in arms.
The spices and dairy shop, called La Gardi in Gqeberha raised the ire of some South Africans after a sign which says, “LGBTQ not welcome at La Gardi. Save our children!!! Right of admission reserved!!” – went viral on social media.
An rights organisation that represents the queer community has laid a complaint with the SA Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) against the shop’s owner.
Labelling this as a form of queer apartheid, OUT LGBT Well-Being says it is illegal and unconstitutional to not serve anyone on the basis of their sexual identity.
The organisation says it can’t believe that in 2023 there’s a business that feels entitled to discriminate and segregate people based on their sexual orientation or gender or any other characteristic that they are born with.
Strategic Communications Manager at OUT LGBT Well-Being, Luiz De Barros, says such conduct can’t be ignored and the shop’s owner must be held accountable.
Young people have called for the continuation of the conversations on gender identity without excluding those who have dissenting views.
Yires say when one offers a service, everyone, irrespective of their identity should be allowed access as money has no gender.