South African Court Forces Dutch Reformed Church to Recognise Same-Sex Unions
The Dutch Reformed Church in South Africa has been forced by the Gauteng High Court of Pretoria to recognise same-sex unions.
The court said it was discriminatory to exclude members of the church from being able to marry.
The church had initially allowed individual church councils to recognise same-sex unions in 2015, but later overruled that decision as against “Christian guidelines.”
Reverend Laurie Gaum, along with his father Dr Frits Gaum and eight other membersof the church, petitioned the High Court to declare that ruling discriminatory and unconstitutional.
Gaum said it had caused great emotional and spiritual harm to church members.
Same-sex marriages will now be able to be conducted at the church and gay and lesbian members will be able to become ministers.
Keep up to date with the latest myGnews
