The constitution of South Africa prohibits discrimination against homosexuals; Yet many hate crimes specifically target the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community. South Africa is the only African country to legalize same-sex marriages; However, many people (including South Africans) have a deep-rooted hatred towards gays and lesbians. Although South Africa has successfully fought many injustices, it continues to struggle on the issue of equal rights for gay people and associated discrimination, despite efforts to end it. the minds of many South Africans have not caught up with government legislation guaranteeing equal rights. South Africa has one of the most complex and diverse histories when it comes to LGBT rights. The legal and social status of LGBT people has been heavily influenced by the effects of apartheid and the human rights movement. The post-apartheid South African constitution was the first (and only) in Africa to legalize same-sex marriage (“Activists’ Fear”). Nevertheless, LGBT South Africans continue to face significant challenges, including their social status, homophobic violence (particularly corrective rape), and very high rates of HIV/AIDS infection due to homophobic violence. mentioned previously. The LGBT community faces many obstacles, even as it makes many advances. Equal rights for homosexuals have been established in South Africa, but related discrimination persists. In the constitution of the Republic of South Africa, members of the LGBT community have the same rights as everyone else, but continued hatred towards LGBT people is a violation of the South African Constitution. Such horrible acts show that some members of our generation are very intolerant... middle of paper ... Everyone opposes the legislation ("Not all of us"). Bishop Holtam said: "Before Wilberforce [an English politician], Christians viewed slavery as biblical...Similarly, in South Africa, the Dutch Reformed Church supported apartheid because it was biblical. our interpretation has changed” (“We are not all”). This highly controversial topic sparks many different opinions from a wide range of viewpoints. Clearly, gay rights remain a very controversial topic in South Africa, much like the rest of the world. Many organizations and efforts by South African government officials, law enforcement, religious leaders and politicians appear to be having a positive impact on equal rights for gay and transgender people, but the LGBT community still faces faces countless challenges that it may not be able to resolve..