The South African Constitution specifically protects homosexuals from both government and individual discrimination. No other nation’s constitution contains such extensive or explicit protection for gays and lesbians. As a result of the protections, a new labor relations act specifically protects gays and lesbians from workplace bias, and the military has barred discrimination against them in recruitment, training, and promotions.
The new Constitution, approved on December 4th by South Africa’s highest court and signed into law on December 10th by President Nelson Mandela, prohibits any discrimination, including that based on race, age, gender, sexual orientation, physical disability, language or religion.
