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| Photo: The pamphlets claim Safe Schools program will become compulsory in schools. (Supplied: The Sydney Morning Herald) |
The Nelson Mandela Foundation has voiced its disapproval over the use of
the anti-apartheid leader's image to oppose same-sex marriage, after
his face was included in leaflets distributed by Liberal Party members.
By political reporter Alexandra Beech
September 23, 2016
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Key points:
Pamphlets claim legalising same-sex marriage
will lead to Safe Schools program becoming compulsory
Pamphlets include Mandela's photo and quote
saying children are "our future"
Nelson Mandela Foundation "objects to the misuse"
of his legacy
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They included an image of the anti-apartheid leader and a quote from him that said children were "our greatest treasure" and "our future".
The Nelson Mandela Foundation said it had become aware his image and words had been used to infer he opposed same-sex marriage.
"The Nelson Mandela Foundation would like to correct this misrepresentation," it said in a statement.
"As South Africa's first democratically elected president, Nelson Mandela signed into law a constitution that stood for the rights of all."
It said that included introducing legislation which said the state could not unfairly discriminate against someone on the basis of their sexual orientation.
"We object to the misuse of the legacy of someone who worked precisely for the recognition of such rights," it said.
Federal Liberal MP Trent Zimmerman told AM those who distributed the pamphlets did so as private citizens and were not acting on behalf of the Liberal Party.
He said he found the use of Mandela's image concerning.
"I do think it's disappointing that material, which is quite self-evidently factually incorrect, is being used, and quite bizarre that a great and inclusive leader like Nelson Mandela would be associated with a campaign of this type," Mr Zimmerman said.
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Nelson Mandela was not opposed to same sex marriage
It has come to the attention of the Nelson Mandela Foundation that
the words and image of Nelson Mandela are being used to infer that he
was opposed to same sex marriage. The Nelson Mandela Foundation would
like to correct this misrepresentation.
As South Africa’s first democratically elected president, Nelson
Mandela signed into law a constitution that stood for the rights of all.
Chapter 9 of the Bill of Rights of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa says:
“The state may not unfairly discriminate directly or indirectly
against anyone on one or more grounds, including race, gender, sex,
pregnancy, marital status, ethnic or social origin, colour, sexual
orientation, age, disability, religion, conscience, belief, culture,
language and birth.” In addition, “No person may unfairly discriminate
directly or indirectly against anyone” on these grounds.
Same-sex marriage has been legal in South Africa since the Civil Union Act came into force on 30 November 2006.
We object to the misuse of the legacy of someone who worked precisely for the recognition of such rights.
ENDS
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Find the News article from ABC, here.
Read Press Release from The Nelson Mandela Foundation, here.
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