with frequently asked questions about LGBTI persons. Radebe stated that the Department of Justice acknowledged the need for a specific legal framework for hate crimes and that the matter would be subjected to public debate. Bullying in schools South Africa does not possess a specific anti-bullying law. However, the Protection from Harassment Act 17 of 2011 brings widespread relief for all victims of harassment, including children. The Child Justice Act 75 of 2008 aims to rehabilitate and to reconcile children under the age of 21. Depending on age, a bully can be held criminally liable for myriad criminal acts, including assault, intimidation, murder, culpable homicide, crimen injuria, theft, malicious injury to property and arson, depending on the facts of each case. According to the South African Department of Basic Education, South African pupils are the "most bullied kids in the world". In a 2015 survey from the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study, 44% of participating Grade 5 students (age 10-11) reported being bullied weekly, and 34% monthly. This was the highest among the 38 countries surveyed. 48% of students in public schools reported being bullied weekly. Grade 9 students (age 14-15) were the third most bullied, behind Thailand and neighbouring Botswana, with 17% bullied weekly and 47% monthly. Military service LGBT people are allowed to serve openly in the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). In 1996, the government adopted the White Paper on National Defence, which included the statement that, "In accordance with the Constitution, the SANDF shall not discriminate against any of its members on the grounds of sexual orientation." In 1998, the Department of Defence adopted a Policy on Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action, under which recruits may not be questioned about their sexual orientation and the Defence Force officially takes no interest in the lawful sexual behaviour of its members. The Defence Act of 2002 makes it a criminal offence for any SANDF member or Defence Department employee to "denigrate, humiliate or show hostility or aversion" to any person on the grounds of sexual orientation. In 2002, the SANDF extended spousal medical and pension benefits to "partners in a permanent life-partnership". Transgender rights The Alteration of Sex Description and Sex Status Act allows people to apply to have their sex status altered in the population registry, and consequently to receive identity documents and passports indicating their gender identity. The law requires the person to