Metropolitan Community Churches in South Africa published the following statement as a paid advertisement in the Cape Argus on 14 December 2010:

Metropoitan Community Churches Statement in response to recent attacks by the Family Policy Institute against Cape Town Tourism and Gay/Lesbian People

We notice with dismay the recent crusade of the Family Policy Institute and it’s director, Errol Naidoo, against various issues around sexuality in general, and homosexuality in particular.

We would like to place the following on record:

• Whilst the Family Policy Institute and His People Church, to which the institute is affiliated, fall within the Christian faith, their interpretation of the scripture, Christian values and to what is referred to as ‘the Truth’, are not universal for all Christians. They are the interpretations of the Family Policy Institute and His People Church.
• It is well within their rights to raise issues based on their beliefs as a religious organisation; however this does not justify discrimination, name calling and attempts to undermine the dignity of people with a different belief and understanding. 
• Faith and interpretation of the scriptures cannot be dictated or forced onto others. The mere existence of different denominations and churches within the Christian faith proves this. 
• History shows that biblical scriptures have been abused for a long time and should not be taken out of context. Biblical scriptures have been used to justify slavery, the oppression of women, segregation of races and genocide. 
• We firmly believe that all rights granted within the constitution cannot be viewed in isolation.  Human rights are indivisible.  The right to religious freedom cannot supersede the right to non-discrimination based on other grounds, such as ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation. 
• We fail to understand how the sexual orientation of any person, whether heterosexual, bi-sexual, homosexual or a-sexual, would infringe on and threaten family values. The right of any two people in this country, irrespective of sexual orientation, to form a Civil Union does not infringe on the rights of another couple or family. 
• There are many definitions of family and any union between two people – with or without children – deserves acknowledgement and protection under the law. Adoption of children should be undertaken in the best interest of the child and the ability of the parents to love, care and provide for their child. 
• To attach negative attributes to sexual orientation is polemic and wrong. Homosexuality is not the cause of HIV, neither is homosexuality associated with child abuse. Equally wrong would be statements like ‘heterosexuality causes rape’ and ‘children out of a heterosexual family are more prone to become mass murderers and dictators’. 
• Sexual orientation cannot and should not be stereotyped. Not all homosexual people are artistic, bake or are wealthy.  Neither are all heterosexual men mechanically minded, enjoy rugby and drink beer. 
• We commend the City of Cape Town and Cape Town Tourism for promoting the City as a place that embraces diversity in all its forms. Cape Town has a rich history and a beautiful landscape and enables visitors to enjoy a host of different things in the city and surrounds, be it a spiritual journey with one of the many faith communities, attending a famous party like MCQP, exploring the history of South Africa or just the beautiful landscape and beaches.

Having read the communication between Cape Town Tourism and the Family Policy Institute and recent communications from the Family Policy Institute, we do not deem it appropriate to engage on this level of demagogy.

We will however seek relief within the legal framework of the constitution should religious freedom be used as a vehicle to deliver hate speech, which often results in aggression and violence.

Endorsed by:

MCC Congregations in South Africa, Deo Gloria Family Church, IAM Inclusive & Affirming Ministries

The following secular organisations, all of whom provide services and support to LGBTI people of the Christian faith, support the statement based on their conviction in the human rights of all people:

Gay and Lesbian Memories in Action (GALA), Gay Umbrella, Gender DynamiX, Intersex South Africa, Lesbian and Gay Equality Project, Out In Africa South African Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, Triangle Project

You can download the statement as pdf file here.