Face paintings, wigs and men wearing dresses will be allowed at Saturday’s 14th annual Gay Pride march in Johannesburg, as long as it is ”decent”, city police said on Monday.
Spokesperson Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar said: ”People will be able to wear masks, but the mask must be of such a nature that the wearer is identifiable.”
This follows outrage by gay and lesbian groups when metro police said last week they were planning to enforce a 1993 law stipulating that people taking part in public marches or protests may not obscure their faces.
The parade was given the go-ahead on Monday after a meeting between metro police, the South African Police Service and the organisers.
”It was agreed that the parade should take place … without hindrance, provided there is no violation of the law. It was also agreed that none of the participants will be allowed to consume liquor,” Minnaar said. — Sapa