Gay, Polygamous Partners Covered

South Africa’s parliamentary perks have been extended to lawmakers’ homosexual and polygamous partners in a sign of the country’s mix of traditional and modern thinking.

A recent administrative notice detailing how members of parliament can sign up for free flights and calls added, as has been customary, that partners were entitled to some of the privileges. Johannesburg’s The Star newspaper reported that unlike in the past, the rules recognize more than one-partner, heterosexual relationships.

Willem Rossouw, a parliamentary administrator, told The Star that gay partners, live-in lovers, parents or children could be registered as the official partner. The notice also told lawmakers they could “register more than one spouse.” Tradition among several African tribes allows men to marry more than one wife.

South Africa’s new constitution, adopted last week, is the only one in the world to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation.