Reverend Oscar Bougardt calls for 'LGBQI+ free' Cape Town ahead of local elections

Reverend Oscar Bougardt has once again stirred the pot with a provocative social media campaign aimed at the 2026 local government elections. Writing under the banner of the Straight Party, the cleric outlined a vision for a Cape Town that is 'LGBQI+ free,' causing immediate friction with human rights advocates.

The clergyman's primary proposal involves the immediate cancellation of municipal financial support for World Pride 2028. Cape Town made history in late 2024 by becoming the first city on the continent to win the bid to host this global event.

Redirecting the City Budget

Bougardt argues that the capital currently earmarked for the international festival should be diverted into essential services. He claims that healthcare, policing, and housing projects are more deserving of taxpayer money than advocacy-based events.

Beyond his stance on social issues, the reverend promised to slash the costs of water and electricity for residents. He maintains that municipal funds should not be used for any advocacy initiatives, regardless of the cause.

Legal Clouds and Candidate Status

Interestingly, Bougardt clarified that he is not actually a registered candidate for the upcoming polls. He explained that his viral post was merely a hypothetical exercise to show the public what his priorities would be if he ever held the mayoral chains.

However, his comments may carry serious legal consequences. In 2023, the Western Cape Equality Court issued him a nine-month suspended prison sentence and banned him from posting about sexual orientation on social media until 2028.

Bougardt has dismissed the idea that he violated his court order, insisting that his post falls under protected political speech. He believes his right to express a governing platform supersedes the previous restrictions placed on his online behavior.

SAHRC Steps In

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) is currently monitoring the situation. Spokesperson Tammy Carter confirmed that the commission is gathering information following a series of complaints regarding the reverend's latest statements.