Alleged rape, killing of gay rights campaigner sparks call for action

http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/05/05/south.africa.gay.activist.killed/index.html?hpt=T2

On May 5th, officials in South Africa found the body of a 24 year old women who was raped and stabbed to death. The woman was identified as Noxolo Nogwaza, a lesbian soccer player, who was a victim of "corrective rape"- a term used to identify the actions of men who rape women in order to reverse their sexual orientation. After dropping off her girlfriend, Nogwaza was rapped, stabbed with broken glass, and her face was bruised by rocks. As a result gay rights activists are petitioning to the South African government to halt the attacks on individuals who are gay, lesbian, or trans-gender. However, officials and other governmental leaders claim that the crime was not connected to hate crime whatsoever. In a country where homosexuality was originally deemed as crime, the gay rights movement is suffering for their cause.

This article is journalism. The reporter who wrote this article accurately included facts about the event, while simultaneously informing the community. Also, the author wrote both sides of the story in order to keep minimal bias from revealing itself. This information could help the South African government to be more aware of the hateful crimes that are happening and thus could create more independence and justice for the rest of society.

The CBT that best relates to this article is Sin: "Mankind is totally depraved and his sinful nature is seen throughout history. Law and government were established to restrain this depravity in the governors as well as the governed." Despite how a community may feel about gay or lesbians, that does not justify "corrective rape" or any violence toward them. The government of South Africa is stalling and is purposely doing nothing to protect their citizens against these awful crimes. It their responsibility to protect and to serve justice to those who deserve it. Therefore, this policy extends to all citizens, including those with differing sexual orientation. A clear indication of man's depraved nature is being displayed, and consequently the government needs to step up and restrain this activity.