News Credits:
Capital Gay, The Pink Paper, Gay Times (London); Outrage (Australia); Advocate (Los Angeles); MACT (New York).
Dr. Ivan Toms, the gay South African anti-apartheid activist of long standing, has been imprisoned for refusing to serve in the South African Army.
Dr. Toms is a founder member of the Cape Town based Lesbians and Gays Against Oppression, a non-racial gay organisation in South Africa.
On March 3rd the doctor was sent to prison for 21 months after refusing to serve in the South African Defense Force. The military authorities have waged a viciously homophobic campaign against Dr. Toms since he made his stand against conscription.
Although he is appealing the decision he has not been granted bail and it looks unlikely that his appeal will succeed.
Messages of support would be gratefully accepted and should be sent c/o Nurse Pat Orpen, 28 Bell Road, Kenilworth, 7700 Cape Town, South Africa. More news in issue 3.