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Last Updated: Monday, 7 June, 2004, 13:13 GMT 14:13 UK
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World Weddings: Gay on the Cape was broadcast in the UK on Wednesday, 9 June, 2004 at 2200 BST on BBC Two.

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All forms of discrimination have been outlawed in post-apartheid South Africa, but some barriers to equality remain.

While the gay community have gained many rights, same-sex marriages are still not recognised.

In a continent not known for its liberal attitude towards homosexuality, some determined couples are fighting for the right to be legally wed.

The views expressed on these pages are not necessarily the views of the BBC. The comments published will reflect the balance of views we receive.


At last! A balanced and supportive programme about gay marriage
Heather Wosey-Ottaway, Cornwall

Congratulations to Mark and Cengey! I wish them love and happiness. I too would like, one day, to marry a man that I love. We cannot allow biggotry and hatred to dictate to us. There is already too much of that in this world.
Jon Glen, London

Adikali Bakarr Kanu's statement that "this type of life is not for Africa" is very ill-considered. This "type" of life, whether he chooses to accept it or not, is perfectly normal for many human beings, who, regardless of race, colour, nationality or religious and cultural background, were born gay.
Mark Gudrunsen, London

At last! A balanced and supportive programme about gay marriage. My partner and I were married in church three years ago. Legally we cannot call it marriage, although we signed the marriage register. We love one another deeply, and our relationship is honest, respectful and committed. If we give everyone access to marriage and civil partnership, the UK may then begin to embrace full equality for all people.
Heather Wosey-Ottaway, Cornwall

I think every human being must have the right to express their feelings
Anette Rosina, The Netherlands

Thank you for the documentary, which I found true and very accurate. I lived in SA as a white lesbian for 24 years and know what prejudice is. The fear of gang beatings and worse still, the possibility of rape, was a constant part of my life.
Diana Rhodes, Blackpool

I am a gay man and I found this programme interesting but slightly hypocritical. I think gay marriage is a plausible and acceptable idea. However, when it comes to expecting a ceremony within a religious environment - that so clearly states that same-sex relationships are unacceptable - it is hypocritcal to expect religious institutions to go along with this.
Zach Bayliss, Bournemouth

It is this kind of selective exposure that perpetuates hideous myths about us all
JC, Brighton

I think every human being must have the right to express their feelings. If two people are in love and they want to share the rest of their lives together, why should this elude them just because they happen to be of the same sex? All over the world, governments are claiming to be democratic, but when it comes to issues like same-sex marriages, they show us their true colours.
Anette Rosina, The Netherlands

Two people who profess to love each other should never be vilified for their beliefs and their chosen way of life. There is, however, something unsettling about people of the same sex who undertake the religious vows of marriage. How do you explain this to children?
Nei Bailey, London

As a gay man, this film angered me. Out of every programme made about gay men and women, a very small percentage depict ordinary men and women, without resorting to gay men having flouncy dramas. How tedious. It is this kind of selective exposure that perpetuates hideous myths about us all.
JC, Brighton

As a Christian myself, I can assure you that God has not joined them together and blessed their marriage.
Tanya Macdonald, Romford

People who love each other should be able to marry each other regardless of colour, creed or sex
Loulou, Amsterdam

I felt this was a very well-produced programme that highlighted the problems of discrimination within a community. There were lighter moments too, which I am sure were not amusing to the participants. I found it very sad when Mark's family would not attend the ceremony. I was nearly in tears. Good luck to the two of you.
Douglas, Liverpool

Love conquers all. In time, we shall all experience democracy and have respect for other humans.
Sarah Beamish, Sheffield

I'm not really sure why gay men and women want to use the instituion of marriage, unless of course they are very religous. But it is happening around the world and it's a good thing.
Gary, Bristol

Please South Africa, never legalise gay marriage
Adikali Bakarr Kanu, Sierra Leone

People who love each other should be able to marry each other regardless of colour, creed or sex.
Loulou, Amsterdam

I think it's sad that Africans, who have suffered centuries of discrimination, seem to have learnt so little from their experiences. South Africa should be encouraged to set a good example on this issue, which in time will be viewed in the same way as other civil rights abuses.
Alexander Suswillo, Manchester

This type of life is not for Africa. Please South Africa, never legalise gay marriage.
Adikali Bakarr Kanu, Sierra Leone

People like President Mugabe who referred to homosexuals as "worse than pigs and dogs", forget that these are both harmless and faithful animals.
Kiki, USA



SEE ALSO:
True colours of the Rainbow Nation?
09 Jun 04 |  This World


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