‘Straight Party’ campaign prompts SAHRC inquiry into Rev Oscar Bougardt's comments
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) is investigating a controversial election campaign promoting a ‘Straight Party’ and calling for an ‘LGBQI+ free Cape Town’, as Reverend Oscar Bougardt defends his statements, claiming no hatred was intended.
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has announced an investigation into controversial election campaign messaging promoting a "Straight Party" and calling for an "LGBQI+ free Cape Town". Reverend Oscar Bougardt, who posted the campaign message, insists there is "no hatred" in his post and stands by his words. Reverend Chris Nissen, representing the SAHRC, cautioned that freedom of expression should not undermine the dignity or constitutional rights of others, but advised Bougardt to initially be given the benefit of the doubt over the claims.
The post urged Cape Town residents to "Vote Straight Party" and "Vote for Oscar P. Bougardt for Mayor of Cape Town" in the upcoming Local Government Elections, promising to withdraw funding for WorldPride Cape Town 2028. Despite the court actions against Bougardt in the past, he maintains his right to freedom of expression and refuses to back down.
The SAHRC's Western Cape office has been alerted to the matter, and Nissen also intends to raise the issue with the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC).
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