GAY PRISONERS ALLOWED TO MARRY

The Cape Argus has reported that same-sex inmate couples will be allowed to marry in South African prisons if they so wish. This is according to the department of correctional services.

While there have been no such marriages under the Civil Union Act to-date, the department has confirmed that it will recognise the law.

Correctional services spokesperson, Manelisi Wolela, told the newspaper that the department would however strictly manage the application process, requiring inmates to show that their intention to marry is legitimate.

“This is to ensure that the marriage is not just a marriage of convenience that could allow them to be in one cell,” he said.

The Civil Union Act, which allows same-sex couples to marry, come into force in December last year, with around 600 people married through the law to-date.