Cape Town - Controversial Afrikaans singer and songwriter Steve Hofmeyr says he apologised to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) for comments he made against the LGBTQIA+ community, but they refused to accept his apology.
Hofmeyr made the comments following Disney’s announcement that its characters would become more inclusive, in April this year.
“While my generation learned to speak to mice, ducks and dogs our children will be taught how to have sex with mice, ducks and dogs ... You think it’s weird, but let me tell you why I’m saying this. Those relationships with animals are part of that ‘+’ at the end of the LGBTQ; that includes those kinds of relationships with animals,” Hofmeyr wrote on social media.
The SAHRC said they were alerted to the “concerning remarks” made by Hofmeyr in April, saying they amount to hate speech and harassment. They had since instituted legal proceedings against Hofmeyr.
A hearing will take place in the Gqeberha High Court, sitting as an Equality Court, to determine how the matter will proceed going forward.
Hofmeyr told the Cape Times on Tuesday that he did apologise, although adding that he believes he did not do anything wrong.
“The SAHRC case, where the SAHRC is litigating on behalf of an LGBTQIA+ group against myself, was adjourned until February 16, 2023. We could not agree on mediation. ‘If Hofmeyr wants mediation, he must pay for it himself’ was the SAHRC’s position. Since day one I am still waiting for the SAHRC to step forward as the fair mediator. They fined me within nine days for a post that was already removed on day one.
“I did of course apologise because I remain a friend of the LGBT community. They did not accept my apology. I am an artist, and therefore quite libertarian when it comes to free speech. I do not believe in hate speech. I guess now … we go to court in February,” he said.
SAHRC commissioner, André Gaum said the commission underscores the importance of promoting and protecting the rights of all LGBTQIA+ and of gender non-confirming persons.
“We sent a letter of demand to him, and his response was inadequate. Although he posted an ‘apology’ on social media, the way he expressed it made things worse, in our view. We will argue this in court,” he said.