This article may contain graphic and/or adult content unsuitable for minors and sensitive readers.
The Department of Home Affairs in the Eastern Cape has been on the hunt for marriage officers who have no ethical issue conducting same sex marriages.
This, after several complaints were received from couples that officials at the Department's PE office had turned away couples wanting to wed in terms of the Civil Union Act.
Department Regional Manager, Gcinile Mabulu, says the Act allows solemnisers to refuse to marry same sex couples in terms of their beliefs.
However, Mabulu says they have put measures in place to address this problem.
"In the province of the Eastern Cape I can put my neck on the block. We have taken stock of the marriage solemnisers around the province."
Meanwhile, in a recent interview with Algoa FM News, gay and lesbian activist, Christina Engela, said she had received several complaints from couples about the PE Home Affairs office.
"In the last few days a lady phoned me and asked for my help to get married, after they got turned away at Home Affairs in PE."
Eastern Cape Gay and Lesbian Association committee member, Michael Bendle, says its becoming a common problem where people are turned away without being given any alternatives.
"Now this seems to become a common occurrence at the PE office of Home Affairs, where couples are not informed about their alternative options. This is very uncomfortable for normal citizens that have the right to get married at Home Affairs. We did take up this issue last year and we now suddenly have to take it up again as we were given assurances that something was going to get done about it." says Bendle.
