South African education officials investigating expulsion of 27 girls for same-sex behavior

According to the BBC, South African education officials are investigating reports that a girls’ boarding school dormitory was closed because of lesbian relationships.

Reportedly, 27 girls were expelled from school due to allegations from fellow students regarding their involvement in same-sex relationships and/or same-sex behavior. The actions were initiated following the discovery of two girls kissing.

Rights activists say the high school in KwaZulu-Natal province has overreacted.

South Africa is the only African country to guarantee freedom from discrimination to homosexuals. In spite of this, local activists say that prejudice remains common.

The school has not been named. The Star newspaper says some the pupils who have not been able to return home have been moved to houses near the school on a temporary basis.

Education Department spokesman Sihle Mlotshwa is quoted by the Star newspaper as saying that schools do not have the right to remove or expel pupils because of their sexual orientation.