R600 000 for transgender's woman who was humiliated by church

A transgender woman who was subjected to a humiliating genital test by members of her church to check whether she was "a real woman" has been awarded R600 000 in damages by the Equality Court.

Karabo Ndlovu lodged a complaint against the International Pentecost Holiness Church, claiming its elders had forced her to undress in a public toilet and conducted a physical examination because the priest did not believe she was female. This incident resulted in her losing her fiance who broke off their relation.

The church also ordered the church to pay for legal costs and the most senior person in the church hierarchy to personally tender an unconditional apology "in writing and verbal" before the end of October.

The church did not file any opposing papers in court and the matter was adjourned on two occasions because no one appeared on its behalf.

This week, the magistrate ruled on the damages amount. He said the church obviously had no intention of countering the allegations.

by Evermgelista Muza