DEPARTMENTS • LEGAL DEPARTMENT

• WRITTEN AND ORAL SUBMISSIONS

South African Parliament:

Civil Unions Bill (2006)
• DFL’s Oral submission on the Civil Unions Bill - ( PDF Format) or ( MS Word Format)
• DFL’s submission to the NCOP on the Civil Unions Bill ( PDF format)
John Smyth, QC (Senior Legal Advisor) addressed the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee for Home Affairs on the constitutional issues surrounding civil unions and “same sex marriage”.
• DFL’s writtern submission on the Civil Unions Bill - ( PDF Format) or ( MS Word Format)
• DFL’s stance on Homosexuality (MS Word / PDF)

Submission re age of consent (2006)
• DFL’s submission re the age of consent - ( PDF Format) or ( MS Word Format)
Written submission was made on the cognitive development of children and how it affects their capabilities to make informed decisions regarding their sexuality.

Children’s Bill (2005)
• DFL’s submission on the Children’s Bill - ( PDF Format) or ( MS Word Format)
Drs Eva Seobi, Moses Thindisa and Jannet Giddi respectively addressed Parliament on various, including the use of contraceptives and abortion by children, the regulation of corporal punishment and HIV testing in children.

Traditional Health Practitioners Bill (2004)
• DFL’s submission on the Sexual Offences Amendment Bill - ( PDF Format) or ( MS Word Format)
Dr Moses Thindisa addressed the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee for Health on the sustainability and practical aspects surrounding the incorporation of traditional healers into the health system.

Choice of Termination of Pregnancy Amendment Bill (2003)
• DFL’s submission on CTOP Amendment Bill - ( PDF Format) or ( MS Word Format)
John Smyth, QC (Senior Legal Advisor) and Dr Thaki Dube addressed the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee for Health on the protection of health workers who have conscientious objection against participating in abortion on demand. Other issues surrounding the Amendment were also addressed.
• DFL’s stance on abortion

Sexual Offences Amendment Bill (2003)
• DFL’s submission on the Sexual Offences Amendment Bill - ( PDF Format) or ( MS Word Format)
Dr Jay Mannie (Deputy CEO of DFL) and Heinrich Botes (Social Worker) addressed Parliamentary Portfolio Committee for Justice and Constitutional Development on the issues age of consent, the cognitive development of children and their ability to make informed decisions regarding their sexuality.

South African Law Reform Commission:

Domestic Partnerships – Project 118 (2004)
• DFL’s submission on Domestic Partnerships - ( PDF Format) or ( MS Word Format)
This submission dealt with the nature and effects of the same sex relationship on the individual and society as whole. Specific reference was also made to the effects on children that may grow up in such a relationship.
• DFL’s stance on Homosexuality (MS Word / PDF)

Review of the Child Care Act – Project 110 (2002)
• DFL’s submission on the Review of the Child Care Act - ( PDF Format) or ( MS Word Format)
Age of consent, the cognitive development of children and their ability to make informed decisions are discussed. Children’s access to medical services, especially abortion and contraception is also highlighted.
• DFL’s Press Release on the Review of the Child Care Act - ( PDF Format) or ( MS Word Format)

Sexual Offences: Adult Prostitution - Project 107 (2002)
• DFL’s submission on Adult Prostitution - ( PDF Format) or ( MS Word Format)
The nature and effects of adult prostitution on the persons in prostitution as well as on the community was discussed. This included the link between decriminalized prostitution and human trafficking, increased STI and HIV infection rates, as well as the mental and physical harm done by adult prostitution.

Euthanasia and the artificial preservation of life – Project 86 (1998)
• DFL’s submission on Euthanasia - ( PDF Format) or ( MS Word Format)
The legalization of Physician Assisted Suicide / Euthanasia was addressed.
• See DFL’s Stance on Euthanasia

Film & Publications Board:

Recommendation re rating of Film, interactive video games and publications (2006)
• DFL’s recommendations on the rating of films, video games and publications - ( PDF Format) or ( MS Word Format)
Research pertaining to the psychological and physiological effects of sex, violence and drugs in the films, video games and publications on children and adolescents was used to make recommendations that are scientifically supported. The psychopharmacology of pictorial pornography and its effects on the human brain was also presented.