Equal but Separate? LGBTI Rights in Contemporary South Africa

Abstract

Ideas are “claims about descriptions of the world, causal relationships or the normative legitimacy of certain actions” (Parsons 2002, 48). Beland and Waddan argue that ideas are the blueprints that “reformers can mobilize as a coherent model for policy change” (2007, 771). Yet, this does not mean that any progressive policy blueprint will be sustainable. Ideas are progressive if they foster respect and support LGBTI rights. Progressivism here is used as a general political philosophy, a reform tradition that has the aim to combat societal injustice, corruption, and inequality. Progressivism advocates social, political, and economic reform or changes usually in opposition to conservative ideologies. Conservative ideologies or conservatism, in this respect, promotes the preservation of traditional institutions and allows minimal and gradual change in society in the name of stability and continuity. Both progressivism and conservatism—as discursive tools—can be pursued by people, groups, or institutions. Based on Goldstein and Keohane’s description, we define ideas as beliefs held by people in general (1993). These beliefs may reside within one’s general cultural milieu, as well as in the foreground of policy debates as normative concepts. In this respect, we are especially interested in unpacking ideas regarding LGBTI rights and freedoms. How ideas challenge formal institutions that promote LGBTI rights is one of the main questions we tackle in this chapter. This is because it appears evident that in South Africa prejudice and homophobia against LGBTI people, as well as heteronormative beliefs, impact institutions and even subordinate them.