‘Straight Party’ campaign prompts SAHRC inquiry into Rev Oscar Bougardt's comments

Controversial pastor Oscar Bougardt

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) is set to investigate controversial election campaign messaging promoting a so-called “Straight Party” and calling for an “LGBQI+ free Cape Town”, while Reverend Oscar Bougardt insisted there was “no hatred” in his post and said he stood by what he had said.

Reverend Chris Nissen cautioned that freedom of expression could not be used in a way that undermined the dignity or constitutional rights of another person or community, but said Bougardt should initially be given the benefit of the doubt over claims that the campaign was a hoax.

The social media post, published under Bougardt’s name, urges Cape Town residents to “Vote Straight Party” and “Vote for Oscar P. Bougardt for Mayor of Cape Town” in the November 4 Local Government Elections. It also promises to withdraw funding for WorldPride Cape Town 2028 and concludes: “For a LGBQI+ free Cape Town vote for OP Bougardt as mayor.”

However, Bougardt has now told the Cape Argus that he stands by the contents of the post.