Christian party defends UCT’s homophobic SRC leader

The African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) has come to the defence of UCT’s suspended SRC Vice-President, Zizipho Pae, who’s at the centre of a homophobia storm.

ACDP President, Rev Kenneth Meshoe, said in a statement that the party is “shocked” by the furore resulting from Pae’s Facebook status describing the US Supreme Court’s decision to legalise same-sex marriage as “institutionalising and normalising sin”.

“That position is based on biblical teaching and she should not be condemned for voicing her belief,” insisted Meshoe. “We call on those who are calling for tolerance to also tolerate the opinions and beliefs of others who simply state what the Holy Bible says.”

He argued that Pae’s statement did “not promote intolerance or hatred towards any individual.”

The party called on the University of Cape Town “to protect this young lady from being harassed because of her religious beliefs.”

Pae has been suspended from her position pending an investigation into the social media comment and other separate homophobia allegations against her.

The student has refused to retract her Facebook status or apologise on the basis of her Christian beliefs and has said that even if gay people are born that way “it doesn’t mean it is okay.”

The ACDP is known for its anti-gay views. It previously blocked LGBT-affirming motions in Parliament; one congratulating South Africa’s Francois Nel for winning Mr Gay World in 2011 and another in May in support of the country hosting Mr Gay World and condemning homophobia.

The ACDP also voted against the passage of the Civil Union Bill that legalised same-sex marriage in 2006.