Jamaica leader’s gay-unfriendly, defiant comments; Activists reply
“We do have a long-standing culture that is very opposed to homosexuality. I think that is changing. I believe there is greater acceptance now that people have different lifestyles, that their privacy must be respected…. Jamaica is not going to allow values to be imposed on it from outside. We are going to have to determine that ourselves and we are going to have to determine to what extent those values will adopt over time – to change in perception and to change in understanding as to how people live…. A prime minister must decide what he feels would represent to the Jamaican people a cabinet of ministers who will be able to discharge their function without fear, without favour, without intimidation. I make that choice…. Sure they [gays] can be in the Cabinet – but not mine.”
Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding answering questions on BBC’s “HardTalk” about homosexuality in Jamaica and his earlier declaration that he would not have any gays in his Cabinet. (Jamaica Gleaner)
“He seems to have an understanding of the seriousness regarding the issue of what we have termed the culture of violence against the gay community here but there is also concern as to whether he appreciates the seriousness as to Jamaica’s stance and how that is perceived by the rest of the world…. We at JFLAG feel that is why the violence has persisted because it is now seen as against the law to be homosexual it is being misinterpreted so in that regard we would love to have some discussion on the issue,”
Jason McFarlane of Jamaica Forum for Lesbians, All-Sexuals and Gays, responding to the Prime Minister’s comments (Radio Jamaica)
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