South African court refers businessman to NPA over anti-LGBTQIA+ hate speech

An equality court in Gqeberha ordered Dawood Lagardien to pay R200,000 for hate speech, unfair discrimination, and harassment, and referred the case to the National Prosecuting Authority for criminal investigation. This marks a notable escalation from civil remedy to potential criminal prosecution under South Africa's equality legislation. The outcome will test the enforcement of hate speech laws against individuals.