Political parties and the protection of democratic rights of sexual minorities

Abstract

The protection of sexual minorities’ civil rights and freedoms is paramount in a democratic state considering that these rights are infringed upon on a daily basis through violent crimes such as corrective rape, murder and physical assault. This study intends to establish whether sexual minorities’ democratic rights are being protected and whether political parties are facilitating this process, and if not, why not? In addition, this study will address the question: what is the role of political parties’ in a democratic state, and how do these roles enable the protection of civil rights, inclusivity, and equality? To answer these questions, I will engage in critical discourse analysis of key documents and speeches from the three largest political parties in South Africa: the African National Congress (ANC), the Democratic Alliance (DA), and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).