News 24 South Africa

Johannesburg - Hatred for gay, lesbian and transgender people was often hidden in the guise of religion and culture, but homophobia is "fundamentally un-African", an organisation said on Thursday.

"As the fifth country to legalise same-sex marriage, we urge our leadership to take the lead - on the African continent and internationally - in the struggle against all forms of prejudice against lesbian and gay people," said Nonhlanhla Mkhize, director of the Durban Gay and Lesbian Community and Health Centre.

Thursday is international day against homophobia - the fear of, aversion to, or discrimination against homosexuality or homosexuals.