Human rights commissions issue rulings in South Africa and Sri Lanka

In South Africa, the Equality Court found Gqeberha shop owner Dawood Lagardien guilty of hate speech and unfair discrimination. The ruling follows Lagardien’s 2023 decision to display a sign stating that LGBTQIA+ individuals were not welcome at his business, La Gardi Plastics and Baking Requirements. The court also addressed a WhatsApp group Lagardien administered that contained harmful messages directed at the LGBTQIA+ community. Lagardien has been ordered to issue a public apology and pay R200,000 in damages to an NGO. The matter has been referred to the National Prosecuting Authority for criminal investigation.

In Sri Lanka, the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has recommended that the government issue new guidelines to protect the religious freedom of public sector employees. This follows an investigation into the Kalmunai North Base Hospital, where six Muslim female healthcare assistants were prevented from wearing religious attire, such as headscarves, while on duty. The HRCSL found that the hospital authorities violated constitutional rights, including freedom of religion and equality, noting that existing administration circulars do not explicitly prohibit religious head coverings.