Hon Deputy Speaker, violence against women is one of the most widespread human rights abuses and a key human security issue of our time. Urgent steps must be taken to guarantee women's security by addressing violence and abuse in all its manifestations. The South African Constitution prohibits discrimination against people on the basis of sexual orientation.
It is government's responsibility to demonstrate its commitment to action in this area by condemning among others violence, harassment, discrimination, and prejudice based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
The rising tide of violence against our gay community, especially against lesbian women, is rapidly getting out of control. In our home situations, it is difficult to identify just how complex a weapon is. The reason for this is that any object can be used as a weapon if there is a will to do grievous harm.
In respect of the 16 Days of Activism Against the Abuse of Women and Children, the ID calls on government to recognise hate crimes against lesbians and transgender women as a specific crime category, supported by the necessary resources to investigate and bring these crimes to court. I thank you.