Gqeberha shop owner who put up anti-LGBTQI+ sign is 'using Islam' as excuse to discriminate - SAHRC

A Gqeberha shop owner, who admitted to erecting an anti-gay, lesbian and transgender sign outside his establishment last year, is using Islam as an excuse to discriminate against the LGBTQIA+ community, the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) claimed.

The SAHRC dragged Dawood Lagardien, the owner of La Gardi Plastics and Baking Requirements, to the Equality Court in Gqeberha following several complaints about the sign outside his shop in Parkside.

Lagardien now faces possible jail time and a R500 000 fine if he is found guilty of hate speech, harassment and discrimination charges.