Written by: Errol Naidoo
Article source: familypolicyinstitute.com 

I participated in a virtual stakeholder engagement workshop on the draft “Marriage Bill” on 17 August – hosted by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA).  The gender-neutral  single “Marriage Bill”  maliciously omits all reference to husband and wife which effectively signals the death of the God-given and God-defined institution of man, woman marriage in South African law.

The ANC regime falsely claims the purpose of the “Marriage Bill” is “to rationalize the marriage laws pertaining to various types of marriages and to provide for the recognition of marriages entered into by spouses regardless of the religious, cultural, sex, gender, sexual orientation or any other belief of the spouses and provide for the requirements for entering into marriage.”

The proposed new “Marriages Act” will replace the current “Marriage Act of 1961” that regulate man, woman marriage, the “Recognition of Customary Marriages Act of 1998” that regulate polygamous marriages, and the “Civil Union Act of 2006” that regulate same-sex unions.

Although the DHA Director General stressed the proposed “Marriage Bill” was motivated by the Constitutional Court ruling pertaining to women’s rights in Muslim marriages. Muslim participants argued the “Marriage Bill” fails to address  the pertinent issues raised in the ruling.  

Significantly, however, the recognition and regulation of Muslim marriages could have easily been incorporated in the “Marriage Act of 1961” and the “Recognition of Customary Marriages Act of 1998” (for polygamous marriages).  We do not need a single Marriage Act for this purpose.

The primary reason the ANC regime formulated the new single “Marriage Bill” was to redefine marriage to specifically equate it with same-sex and transgender unions. Following the Constitutional Court ruling in 2005, LGBTQ activists demanded government amend  the “Marriage Act of 1961”  to equate same-sex unions with man, woman marriage in all respects.

The Christian Church objected to this amendment. Parliament enacted the “Civil Union Act” in 2006 to recognise and regulate same-sex (and opposite-sex) unions. Religious marriage officers were exempt from solemnising civil unions if they were not registered under this specific Act.

LGBTQ activists objected to the separate legislation that recognised and regulated same-sex unions because it allegedly implied it was inferior to man, woman marriage. They further argued the exclusive distinction of man, woman marriage in law discriminates against same-sex unions.

Fast forward to 2023 and the ANC regime finally capitulates to the demands of LGBTQ radicals and their proxies in UN agencies. But instead of amending the “Marriage Act of 1961” to abolish the terms “husband and wife” and replace it with the non-binary term, “spouses,” government scrapped all three Marriage Acts in favour of a single gender-neutral “Marriages Act.”

The ANC regime sought to avoid revealing its true intentions – which is redefining man, woman marriage in law to appease the irrational demands of minority LGBTQ groups. As a consequence, Marriage – an institution in existence for thousands of years and that served countless nationalities and cultures – will cease to exist in South African law, to validate a cultural  trend in existence for a mere 22 years and legally recognised by only 34 of the 193 nations of the world.

The draft single “Marriage Bill,” if enacted, will be devastating for men, women, and children, family life, religious freedoms, the Christian Church and general society for the following reasons:

1. South Africa is the only nation in the world to take the unprecedented step of stripping men and women of the exclusive legal definition of monogamous heterosexual marriage for no other reason than to submit to the irrational demands of a tiny militant group of sexual rights radicals.

2. Monogamous marriage in the proposed single “Marriages Act” includes opposite sex, same-sex and transgender unions. This Act will effectively kill off the Biblically defined institution of man, woman marriage in South African law and will ultimately degrade its true and sacred purpose.

Family Policy Institute

3. More diabolically, the proposed single “Marriages Act” makes group marriage (polyamory) possible. A representative of the “genderqueer” group objected to the DHA legal advisor making reference to the term, “husband” when explaining the polygamous provisions of the Bill. What the Bill will sanction – because it is gender-neutral – is for male, female or transgender individuals to “marry” multiple partners of opposite or various genders under the polygamous provision.

4. Several participants including myself enquired if religious marriage officers would be compelled to solemnise same-sex or transgender unions. The legal advisor’s response was vague. He explained, LGBTQ citizens can register as marriage officers under the new “Marriages Act” to solemnise same-sex, transgender unions. Critically, however, the draft “Marriage Bill” DOES NOT specifically include a conscientious exemption clause for religious marriage officers.

5. If recent events have taught us anything, the availability of LGBTQ marriage officers will not guarantee LGBTQ citizens will use them exclusively. Numerous marriage officers are registered under the “Civil Union Act” to solemnise same-sex unions. However, this provision did not stop LGBTQ activists from suing religious persons and institutions for alleged unfair discrimination.

6. LGBTQ activists will target religious marriage officers, Church venues, wedding chapels and related Christian businesses to force them to comply. Because the new single “Marriages Act” makes no distinction between man, woman and same-sex and transgender unions – declining to solemnise or host LGBTQ unions will constitute legal grounds for costly discrimination suits.

7. The proposed single “Marriages Act” is unnecessary. The current marriage laws regulating (1) man, woman marriage, (2) polygamous marriages and (3) civil unions are the most practical legislative solution for South Africa given the disparities between the incompatible worldviews.

8. Significantly, LGBTQ citizens are provided all the benefits and privileges of marriage in the “Civil Union Act.”The State’s obligation to protect and uphold monogamous heterosexual marriage in no way deny or diminish civil unions. This contradicts government’s claim the single “Marriage Bill” was formulated to promote the values of freedom, equality and dignity for all.

9. The proposed single “Marriages Act”unfairly discriminates against the majority of citizens who view marriage as the exclusive union between one man and one woman and want their marriages defined as such in law. Our Creator God created mankind male and female and brought them together in holy matrimony for the purpose of propagating the human race.

10. Marriage is a cornerstone institution of society and the glue that holds it together. Every human being that ever lived owes its existence to the union of a man and a woman. Marriage, therefore, does not discriminate against anyone. It is a natural  public good for all people groups regardless of nationality, culture, ethnicity and religious belief. The proposed single “Marriages Act” takes a sledgehammer to this vital institution with catastrophic consequences for society.

The proposed single “Marriages Act” is the most insidious and socially destructive policy ever conceived by the ANC regime. It undermines and desecrates the very foundations of human civilisation. When the state redefines marriage and the family it unravels the created order.

Family breakdown and fatherless homes have already decimated South African society. Redefining the God-ordained institution of marriage will ultimately lead to a diminished view of this bedrock institution.  Tragically, innocent children suffer most when marriage is devalued.

The long-term implications of redefining man, woman marriage will be detrimental to the health and welfare of children, the stability of the family, social cohesion and economic prosperity.

The Christian Church and civil-society leadership in South Africa MUST actively defend the God-ordained institution of marriage. LGBTQ citizens already enjoy all the benefits and privileges of marriage under the “Civil Union Act.” It is therefore outrageous that government plans to abolish the unique distinction of man, woman marriage in law when there is no justification to do so.

Please comment on the draft “Marriage Bill” by emailing Moses.Malakate@dha.gov.za or Agnes.Molefe@dha.gov.za by 31 August 2023. The draft “Marriage Bill” will be tabled in Parliament following this stage – which will necessitate a further public participation process.

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Date published: 22/08/2023
Feature image: Image for illustrative purposes only. Artwork adapted from www.freepik.com

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58 COMMENTS

  1. I totally oppose this bill. Our ignorance of the sacredness of marriage has brought the wrath of God globally. Half of our planet is on fire while the other half is flooded! When people blatantly refuse to heed the Word of God, this is what happens. No more compromise with the deeds of darkness. Let’s put a stop to this craziness and repent or face God’s impending
    Judgment. Jesus is still waiting with His arms stretched out to receive you. Give Him your life today.

    Isabel Etti

  2. The law should safe-guard that religious marriage officers decide on administering marriages according to the decisions of their respective churches (religious persuasion) and their own conscience.

  4. Heb 10:31 It is a terrible thing to fall into the Hands of the Living God…. as we sow so shall we reap … God WILL NOT be mocked

  5. I am against this bill. As a Christian and a South African citizen, I believe in man and woman marriage and I believe Christian Ministers have every right to chose who they will render their marriage services to.

  8. This bill is Satanic , it comes against God’s intention of Marriage between a man and a woman. We cannot agree on this satanic thinking of ANC to please the minority. We reject this proposed single Marriage bill ,that is against God’s vision of man kind. ANC is evil guided by Satan in every thing they do. We reject to be controled by the government who does not fear God. What an abomination, other African countries must have lost hope for South African Government. Moral decay is the order of the day in SA. You introduce liquor in schools in Dept of Education, now a Satanic Bill. Anc Government you are a pandemic yourselves, how on earth you can introduce such Bill’s. You cannot even see that the country is under a curse of rejecting God.

  9. I agre 💯 present I totally oppose this bill too. Our ignorance of the sacredness of marriage has brought the wrath of God globally. This could not have been stated better. God gave the law and this is totally against it.

  10. As Christian, God fearing citizen of South Africa I want to remind Government of the fact that I have legal rights too, such as the freedom of association, the freedom of speech as well. It is not only the diabolical LGBTQ who have rights here in my Country, South Africa. The group that I associate with, still take the Bible to be the “Word of God”, and I have the right to the freedom of religion here in my country as well – it is not only the LGBTQ people’s view that count in South Africa. My view, based on the “Word of God” is that homosexualism is an abomination to God, and that God will not leave sin – any sin ( homo-sexualism included ) unpunished. Why not give the sexual perverts their own type of “marriage certificate” – whatever that might mean, and keep, for the majority – the God-fearing Christians in South Africa, marriage to be a sacred unity of one man and one woman before God?

  11. I oppose the new law:
    The LGBTQ community already have the benefits of their marriages? In the civil union arena. No need to tamper with the Marriages act.

  12. THIS NEW LAW OF THIS ANC GOVERNMENT IS COMPLETELY WICKED,,, WHAT ARE THEY RECEIVING TO PUT THIS INTO EFFECT. This GOVERNMENT NEVER NEVER DOES ANYTHING THAT DORS NOT BENEFIT THEMSELVES FINAN IALLY IN SOME WAY…THIS NEW PROSED LAW IS AGAINST GODS LAW AND ONLY BENEFITS A SMALL MINORITY GROUP OF THE CITIZENS OF THE RSA. THEY MUST BE RECEIVING SOME FINANCIAL BENEFIT TO DO SO???? WICKED WICKED AND THEIR DECENDANTS IN THE FUTURE WILL CURSE THEM WHEN IT AFFECTS THEM AND THEY REALIZE IT WAS BROUGHT ONTO BEING BY THEIR FAMILY MEMBER..

  13. Bizarre that the sanctity of marriage between a husband and wife which is the foundation of a solid infrastructure to rear children is being destroyed by foreign agendas! Sa is a Christian country where marriage forms the base and which should be respected and left untampered: “if it works let’s destroy it ” seems to be the regulatory authority’s currebt slogan : how bizarre

  15. In a recent pole i read that South Africa is a 80% Christian country. If a 80% so-called Christian country allowes this what does it say about us. When you allow a God less government to make decisions for your country, this is what you ultimatly get. Detroying the God ordained family structure in such a way can only lead to a disfuctional society (if we not already there). Christian ministers and pasters are now placed in a position where there morals, values and dedication to God will be put to the test. If we as a people of South Africa do not stop this, we are doomed.
    A wise man once asked a young man “What is the two biggest problems in world” He responded and saying ” I don’t know and I don’t care” . The wise responded and said wow!! “that is spot on” Our greatest problem in the world is ignorance and indifference. When we stop carring about God’s instructions and the guidence of the bible, we are going to find out what happens when God hands you over.

  16. This proposed legislation is typical of the ANC corrupt incapable and contemptible cowards. They can stand against nothing but the truth – for which they will pay dearly! It is one thing to comment here in this magazine, but entirely another to do so by emailing the government departments as has been requested by Pastor Errol Naidoo. Let us do so quickly with what freedom we have left.

    • I do not agree with this Bill. It goes against EVERYTHING I believe in. The bible says Let man take Women NOT man take man. This is ridiculous.

  18. I am totally against this new marriage bill. As a Christian its against my values and my rights should be respected as well. South Africa is a democratic country . No religious leader should be forced to act against God’s will that marriage is between male and female. We are suffering already let’s not invite God anger to our nation. The distruction we are experiencing now because of violating God’s will is enough.

    • I appose this new marriage bill wich has been proposed as I believe that the word of God in the bible states that our God has created male and female to be joined together in marriage and become one. We serve a God of truth and life As a believer in our Lord Jesus Christ.

  20. I totally oppose this bill.
    The marriage is created by God and no man has the right to touch, what is God’s!!

  21. I hereby object the proposed draft on the “Marriage Bill” according to the word of God in Gen 2:7 God made Adam and He made Eve from Adam`s rib not Adam and Adam or Eve and Eve He made them different to fit into each other. Read Heb 13:4 where it says Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.

    I don`t think that you want God`s judgement on your lives by pushing for this bill to be passed.

    Please do the right thing and object this bill.

  23. I am against this bill. I am a Christian, and South African citizen, GOD create man and women. I only believe in marriage between one man and one woman. I believe Christian Ministers have the right to chose who they will render their marriage services to.

  24. Im totally against the new Marriage Bill, which is not based on the Bible and Gods will for SA. God instruct the marriage to be Holy, between a man and woman. Children should be raised within a loving home and good environment! How can we expect Gods blessing if we do not follow His will according to His Word!

  25. I’m totally disappointed And disagree my government which I voted for to even think about this bill its an insult to Jehova the creator please this mustn’t continue to happen

  28. S A will experience the wrath of Yahweh should this satanic “Marriage Bill” be passed by the evil Anc majority. We will not enjoy blessings from God, even though we sing Nkosi iSikelele ,iAfrica, because we WIILL be cursed. We as Christians oppose this “Bill” in its totality. The serpent seed Anc tares can go burn in hell forever, if the do not stop and repent from their wicked ways immediately.

  29. As a Christian I am absolutely opposed by this so- called Single Marriage bill. When GOD created man and woman, HE also created marriage. Why is it so easy to be adhering to the demands of the LGBTQ activists demands, while ignoring GOD’S WORD and LAW, which instituted marriage as an act between a male and a female, as created by GOD ALMIGHTY?? Why do you who are the so- called lawmakers collapse under pressure of the minority, but are not fearfil of the consequinces of the wrath of GOD ALMIGHTY, who is able to wipe you of the face of the earth by HIS shere breath. Beware!!!! Because GOD WILL NOT BE MOCKED.

  30. I am against this bill. Its totaly against God will, and the Woord of God. Let use be the Fisrt to turm to God, and put God back in our daily lives. First pray and then answer or do.

  32. Totally against this bill! It is ridiculous!! Woman was made for Man and Man for Woman!!!! Show me 1 baby that was naturally made from a ‘same-sex’ marriage!!!!!!

  40. I am against this bill as it is against EVERY religious belief. Muslim, Jew, Hindu, Ancestry, Christian. No religion, no culture and no ethnicity has accepted or allowed same sex marriage from the beginning of time. Trying to legalize it now is only affirming that we are not as smart and evolved as we call ourselves. Legalizing it does not protect same sex marriages but tries to demolish everything good and wholesome in this world. There is no same sex relations in any species as it’s not natural. Allowing same sex marriages will evolve into allowing same sex couples to adopt children and this is not what society needs. A child needs to grow up with a male and a female to have a wholesome good life and not to stray to drugs and theft and everything that hurts this country and it’s people.

  41. I stand against the bill and consolidation of the three acts because this violates my rights and beliefs as a Christian person.

  42. I am against this new marriage, bill because its against God’s Will, for marriage, Romans 1:18-32.
    I will show you WHO to fear.
    Matthew 10:28:- “Fear GOD who is able to destroy both body and soul
    In hell”.
    Be obedient to God Almighty and stop this new marriage bill.

  43. How did such wickedness enter into the hearts of our leaders and why would the SA Gov. Opt to bring a curse upon the heads of the children in SA.

    If SA Gov. Brings this EVIL bill into effect you bring the next generation under a curse and open up the gates of hell for generations to come.

    How perverted has the conscience of world leaders become that they would use a minority of people fuel their evil agented. IT’S AN EVIL BILL THAT CANNOT BE ALLOWED!

    GOD MADE MARRIAGE, IT’S A COVENANT BETWEEN MALE AND FEMALE, IT’S A HOLY COVENANT TO BRING FORTH THE NEXT GENERATION.

    YOU DESTROY THE MARRIAGE BY PERVERSION YOU DESTROY THE NATION!

    GOD cannot nor will HE Bless a people who violate the HIS Law! And because HE IS GOD not Gov. HIS COVENANT LAW WILL STAND FOR GOOD!

    THINK ABOUT THE CHILDREN OF TOMORROW WHAT ARE YOU LEAVING FOR THEM IN THE LAW!
    This new preposed Marriage Bill is noting but an ABUSE OF POWER AND OF HUMANITY!

    NO TO THIS MARRIAGE BILL!

  44. I am a believer in our Lord Jesus Christ and I appose the new legislation bill to take place as it goes against God’s word in Bible. God’s word is the way the truth and the life It is sacred an agreement made between a man and a woman and become one. We have no right to violate God’s word

  48. This is so very wrong. The bible is my guideline in everything and nowhere is this rubbish ever written. I am not really sorry for those who will experience God s wrath. I pray that this will not happen at all. Such sin is terrible x 10000000000000……

  50. As a Christian I oppose to this bill. Marriage is sacred and holy between a man and women alone, like God intended it to be Holy.

  51. I ‘am against this bill because it’s in conflict with God’s word and rules. As part of society a man and women was created by God to be each others companie to act against his will shall be punished

  53. This is against the will of God and Christian faith. A sign that we are living in the last days. I oppose this legislation.

  55. God will not be mocked! We will pay dearly for our allowing such wickedness into our laws! God forbid it does not come about. Im against it completely as it goes against how God sees marriage in the Bible! Between a man and a woman. Why should a pastor of a church decide???

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