Make views on holidays known

OFTEN those whose beliefs are in the majority believe that they should hold sway over all others because they represent the dominant group. In a constitutional democracy like ours, which places a premium on equality for all, this view that dominant groups are more equal than others is a totally erroneous assumption.

Whether we are part of an obscure minority or overwhelming majority, each and every one of us is protected by the prescripts of our constitution. When the legislation of our country violates and contradicts the values enshrined in our constitution, in particular the equality clause, the South African Law Reform Commission (SALRC) is tasked with bringing the laws of the land in line.

One subject which has caused great consternation to the country’s Christian majority is the opinion of the SALRC that the religious holidays of Christmas and Easter are unconstitutional because they are prejudicial to people of other faiths.

According to the SALRC, to have the two main Christian holidays as paid public holidays amounts to unfair discrimination towards people of other faiths who have to take leave to celebrate their religious holidays.

The SALRC pointed out this contradiction to the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) which is the government entity in charge of the national calendar. The DHA responded that research showed that in all countries there was no balance between different faith groups.

It is now up to the public to decide whether Christmas or Easter should be cancelled as paid holidays or whether other religious faiths should also be granted fully paid public holidays for their significant religious days. Another option would be for all religious holidays of all faiths to be celebrated by everyone, whatever their belief.

It is vital that all members of the public make their opinions known on this matter so that all views can be considered in the review of the Public Holidays Act. We urge you to make your voice count by writing to the SALRC before June 30.