Same-sex couple left ‘angry, upset’ by Home Affairs
PORT Elizabeth couple Lance Ledingham and Craig Durant had left nothing to chance for their garden wedding.
They had splashed out on a wedding planner, musicians, caterers, ivory-coloured decor, tailor-made tuxedos and an abundance of food and drink for their 50 guests.
But their ceremony, which takes place next Saturday, was almost cancelled after a Department of Home Affairs official refused to set the date for their “civil union”.
Two weeks ago, Ledingham, 50, went to the government offices and queued for more than 90 minutes to give a clerk the necessary paperwork.
The clerk took the documents to her manager, who called Ledingham aside.
“I was shocked when he said they did not offer same-sex marriage at this branch,” said Ledingham.
He began to argue his case — but the official became harsh and abrupt before turning Ledingham away.
“I was shattered,” said the skills development consultant. “I just felt absolutely humiliated. I was angry and upset.
“I thought this kind of thing had been dealt with, so it came as a complete shock.”
Ledingham and Durant, who have been together for 22 years, began a campaign that attracted the attention of outraged activists, who helped in writing letters to Home Affairs Minister Naledi Pandor and public protector Thuli Madonsela.
Last week, home affairs regional head Sonto Lusu contacted the couple to apologise for the official’s behaviour and make alternative arrangements. Lusu promised to investigate the incident.
Zama Mzimela, chairwoman of the Eastern Cape Lesbian,
I was shattered. I felt absolutely humiliated. I was angry and upset
Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex Organisation, said her office was also investigating.
“Every couple has a constitutional right and may not be refused in this regard,” she said.
In June last year, another Port Elizabeth couple, Kevin de Lange, 43, and Cobus Steyn, 44, were referred to a private marriage officer by home affairs bureaucrats who said they did not conduct same-sex marriages.
Human rights activist Gail Kirchmann said: “It’s an outrage. If this sort of thing is happening in the cities, how much more in small rural towns . . .?”
Pandor wrote to Kirchmann saying the incident was regrettable and steps would be taken to remedy the situation.
Kirchmann said that under the Civil Union Act, home affairs marriage officers could apply to be exempted from conducting same-sex marriages.
However, the department had to supply someone in every bureau to officiate at marriage ceremonies for gay couples.