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100 signatures reached
To: Conference venues, hotels and businesses, The Department of Home Affairs, President Cyril Ramaphosa's Government, Parliament and political leaders, Faith leaders, Traditional leaders, Civil society, All South Africans.
South Africa Must Reject Hate Conference Disguised as "Family Values"
In May 2027, Cape Town is expected to host the 3rd Pan-African Conference on Family Values, organised by conservative foreign-funded groups that are actively campaigning against LGBTQ+ rights, women’s rights and diverse families across Africa.
South Africa’s Constitution protects equality, dignity and freedom from discrimination, including on the basis of sexual orientation. Our democracy was built on inclusion — not exclusion.
We call for:
- Public reaffirmation of South Africa’s constitutional values of equality, dignity and freedom.
- Rejection of rhetoric that promotes discrimination or dehumanises LGBTQ+ people and diverse families.
- Responsible decisions by venues and businesses considering whether to host the conference.
- Enforcement of laws against hate speech, intimidation and incitement.
- Immigration scrutiny of foreign speakers with documented histories of promoting hatred or violence.
- Visible support for inclusion from political, faith, business, academic and traditional leaders.
- A national campaign celebrating South Africa’s diverse families.
- Continued monitoring and documentation of hate speech or unlawful conduct linked to the conference.
Why is this important?
This matters because:
- South Africa’s Constitution was born from a struggle against exclusion. It promises equality before the law and protects the dignity of all people.
- South African families are diverse. Every family deserves dignity and respect.
- Our response should reflect the values at the heart of our democracy: Ubuntu. Equality. Compassion. Freedom. Human dignity.
We respect freedom of religion, belief, expression and peaceful assembly. But these freedoms must not be used to justify discrimination, dehumanisation or attempts to strip others of their constitutional rights.
The proposed conference forms part of a broader anti-rights movement seeking to roll back LGBTQ+ equality, restrict women’s rights, undermine comprehensive sexuality education and promote exclusionary laws across Africa.
South Africa must not become a platform for intolerance or discrimination.
This is bigger than LGBTQ+ rights. It is about defending the Constitution, protecting democracy and affirming the dignity and equality of every person.
We Call On:
Conference venues, hotels and businesses
Do not provide platforms for organisations promoting exclusion and discrimination. Consider whether hosting the conference aligns with your commitments to diversity, inclusion and human rights.
The Department of Home Affairs
Ensure foreign speakers and delegates comply with South African law. Individuals with documented histories of hate speech, incitement to discrimination or calls for violence against LGBTQ+ people should be carefully assessed under applicable immigration legislation, and where lawful grounds exist, should not be permitted entry.
President Cyril Ramaphosa's Government
The President, Cabinet and relevant departments must publicly reaffirm South Africa’s commitment to equality, human dignity, freedom from discrimination, LGBTQ+ rights and diverse families and distance themselves from this conference.
Parliament and political leaders
Reject and speak out against attempts to weaponise religion, culture or “family values” to exclude fellow South Africans. Leadership should unite, not divide.
Faith leaders
Speak out for the values of love, inclusion, compassion and human dignity. No single religious voice speaks for all people of faith.
Traditional leaders
Publicly disavow narratives portraying LGBTQ+ Africans as outsiders. African communities have always contained diverse identities and experiences. Homophobia and exclusion are not African values.
Civil society
LGBTQ+ organisations, women’s and youth groups, educators, health professionals, legal experts, faith leaders and human rights defenders should work together to promote constitutional values and evidence-based dialogue, campaigning against exclusionary and divisive narratives.
All South Africans
Reject fear, misinformation and division. Stand with families in all their diversity, speak out against hate and support people facing discrimination.
Sign the Petition and join us in saying:
- We reject hate.
- We reject discrimination disguised as “family values”.
- We stand for dignity, equality and inclusion — for every family.