Friday, June 7, 2019

True respect for LGBT persons


Excerpt from Jamaica Observer column published 20 May 2019
by Jean Lowrie-Chin

J-FLAG marked the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia with a roundtable discussion and a presentation of findings from a recent survey on the attitude of Jamaicans towards members of the LGBT community. The results were encouraging, but still cast Jamaica, including employers and politicians as being ambivalent about the rights of these, our fellow citizens.

Support for change to the “Buggery Law” showed that the majority was still against it, though there was slightly better support for the teaching of tolerance of LBGT persons. 

Ambassador of Mexico, Juan Jose González Mijares noted that his country decided that it was not choice but an obligation, to legislate against discrimination.  He said that his country faced similar sociological issues as Jamaica, but passed a federal law against every kind of discrimination and established a National Council Against Discrimination. This upholds respect for all, regardless of race, creed, gender, age or sexual orientation.

Such laws would foster a more harmonious Jamaican society. Let us honour the “true respect for all” that we sing out in our Anthem.

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