KZN pastor probed for alleged homophobic remarks
The Commission for Gender Equality is investigating alleged homophobic comments made by a church leader who apparently blamed homosexuality for the drought in the province.
At a function in Nongoma in northern KwaZulu-Natal over the weekend, Nazareth church Pastor, Mduduzi Shembe is said to have claimed the drought was an act of vengeance from God because people had defied him.
He is said to have made an example of men marrying other men.
Nonhlanhla Mkhize of the Durban Lesbian and Gay Community and Health Centre says they're shocked by this, and will also be approaching the Human Rights Commission to look into the matter.
''It means you are infringing on our right to life, therefore we have knocked on the doors of the Human Rights Commission to be the ones to assist us with this matter.
''We understand that people have a right to freedom of speech but not when it might incite others to be violent against others,'' she said.
While the church has distanced itself from the comments, it says Shembe was merely quoting scripture.
(File photo: Gallo Images)