Source: The Citizen, Independent Online, SABC News
JOHANNESBURG - In a watershed judgment, a Pretoria High Court judge on Wednesday ordered the NG Church Moreleta Park to pay damages and unconditionally apologize to the music teacher they fired because they found out he is gay.
Judge Dion Basson ruled that the church had unfairly discriminated against music teacher Johan Strydom on the grounds of his sexual orientation when they fired him from his post in their music academy in 2005, The Citizen reports.
He ordered the church to pay about R87,000 [about $11,200 USD] to Strydom for his loss of earnings, the impairment of his dignity and emotional and psychological suffering.
The judge concluded that Strydom’s dignity had been impaired by the church and that the situation had an enormously negative impact on his life because he suffered from depression after he was fired, could not get a job because of the publicity surrounding the case, and had to sell his piano and house.
He later relocated to Jeffrey's Bay with his partner of many years, Independent Online reports.
"To me it was a case of principle, but of course I also wanted to be financially compensated," Strydom told the Pretoria News on Thursday.
"My whole life came to a standstill these past few years. I could not focus on one thing, but now I can move on."
Strydom said a public apology by the church would help other gay people.
He said the judgment would mean a lot to other gay people in the job market and prospective employers would have to adhere to sound labor practices.
Strydom said at first he was angry with the Moreleta Park congregation.
"But it is now three years later and I have moved on. I am sorry it happened. It was unnecessary. But I am still heartsore that they could not accept that I was a born-again Christian."
The church's Rev. Dirkie van der Spuy says although he's disappointed with the judgment, the church has nothing against homosexual members.
But two Christian bodies expressed concern on Friday at the ruling.
Both the ACDP and the Apostolic Faith Mission said the right to equality should not trump the right to religious freedom. They expressed disappointment and "serious concern" with the court's decision.
The African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) said the ruling appeared to deny the church's right to hire and fire teachers on the basis of religious convictions. Party president Reverend Kenneth Meshoe said this was constitutionally protected by the right to religious freedom and freedom of association.
Source: Church must pay | The Citizen
Concerns voiced about gay ruling | Independent Online
Church to apologise to homosexual music teacher | SABC News
Now Strydom seeks a public apology | Independent Online
Last modified: 29 Aug 08 10:10
area_africa, discrimination