Gay man sues church

ILSE DE LANGE

A music lecturer yesterday burst into tears when he testified in the Pretoria High Court about his anguish after the NG Church Moreleta Park fired him for being homosexual.

Johan Strydom instituted a R100 000 damages claim for loss of income and the impairment of his dignity with the congregation after they abruptly terminated his services as a music lecturer at the church’s arts academy in July 2005.

He said in court papers the termination of his employment contract not only constituted unfair discrimination, but had also impaired his human dignity.

He told the court he had refused to discuss his sexual orientation with the church after being informed that he must attend a meeting to discuss the issue. This was after the church had received an anonymous call from a man who told them Strydom had homosexual relationships.

Strydom said he felt his sexual orientation had nothing to do with the quality of his work. He was a music lecturer and not a spiritual leader and was not even a member of the NG Church.

“Sexual orientation is a small part of a person. I cannot see why a person should be reduced to sexual orientation,” he said.

“I cannot change.”

“People should be made aware that we are also human beings with feelings.

“People stereotype gay persons, but we’re just normal people,” Strydom said.

The church said in court papers there was no question of any service agreement or long-term contract between itself and Strydom.

The church said Strydom knew very well that for as long as he was in an active homosexual relationship and was not prepared to admit his sin and to live a celibate lifestyle, he did not qualify for any position in the church.

The case continues.