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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