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Editorial
On tolerating homosexuals and such...
Friday, April 09, 2010
Almost two decades ago, a group of mostly men proposed to march through Half-Way-Tree in Kingston in support of tolerance for homosexual rights. When the news got around, the group was forced, in the interest of its safety, to abandon the plan.
That we've come a long way since then is evident from the report in yesterday's edition of our sister title, the Observer West, concerning the inaugural tolerance walk sponsored by Jamaica Aids Support for Life (JASL).
According to JASL, the march was designed to engender goodwill, support and tolerance for persons living with HIV and AIDS.
However, the truth is that many of the marchers were homosexuals and prostitutes, groups that have not quite gained wholesale acceptance in our society. Indeed, if we care to be honest about it, the practical difference between yesterday's carefully worded exercise and an outright march for gay rights would have been razor-thin at best.
Yet march they did -- safely -- through a very public route in a country that is still largely intolerant of homosexuality and judgmental by any standard. Now that is progress worthy of comment. Because the years of hostility towards these particular minorities, as well as others, have done little to better our society.
Jamaica is no safer, holier, or healthier than it was decades ago when these groups were further back in the closet.
Indeed, there is a valid argument that the suppression of these groups through legislation and other societal pressures has facilitated the spread of the deadly HIV/AIDS virus which is often mistakenly associated with them.
The coarsening effect of our culture of intolerance has made our society almost impossible to govern.
The courts are creaking under a case load that owes much of its weight to murder and other violent crimes; the behaviour of the executive has, over the years, descended into a crassness that makes for embarrassing reading; and our legislative legacy is replete with anachronistic laws which are simply being ignored by much of the society.
That we cannot continue this way is beyond dispute.
We will, eventually, fulfil the prophesy in the very late great crooner Sam Cooke's lyric, A change is gonna come.
Maybe the change won't take the drastic and sensational format of a complete overhaul of the buggery laws just yet, but over time the dialogue will become more informed and the stigmas which have undermined our progress will continue to fall away.
Wednesday's walk was but another stage in the process.
In time there will be other such events.
It is our hope that they will meet with the same amount of tolerance, not because we carry any brief for them, but for the sake of our development as a nation.
Because whether we like it or not, the fact is that even as we continue to hang on to the past, the world is moving on... without us.
At the same time, the homosexual community needs to cease its offensive attempts to ram acceptance of that lifestyle down the throats of the majority of people in this country. For that will only perpetuate the hostility that people feel towards them.
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4/13/2010
I wonder about the comments people make without giving it thought and it is not because those opinions run counter to mine. One of the comments in this thread, for example, that is posturing itself as a moral argument, betrays the spirit of morality by referring to homosexuals as "despicable".
Furthermore, we can no longer use the argument that homosexuality deviates from the "natural" reproductive" process to give veracity to our hate. We will be indicting barren women and sterile men in this supposed natural philosophy. There are too many variables/anomolies in this world for us to hold any such positions as absolutes. What if the shoe was on the other foot? What if it was a crime to be straight? Discrimination is driven by fear - fear of difference. That makes us a heterophobic country... We may be more homo than we think... Lol. Woi
Stephen James
4/10/2010
I see that many persons still do not understand the direct association of increasing HIV/AIDS rates with the suppression of sexual minorities. The concept that people need to wrap their heads around is that by forcing homosexuality underground, we are indeed directly contributing to an increase in HIV/AIDS transmissions. How?
For those persons familiar with the "Down Low" phenomenon, it simply means that there are many gay, bisexual, or confused men in our society (it is not exclusive to the American society, and it is largely a male problem) who, because they are forced to hide their true feelings of attraction to other men, engage in heterosexual relations. Many of them are married men, who are gay or bisexual, and have (usually unprotected) sex with other men. The infections they subsequently catch from these encounters, is passed on to wife/girlfriend/matey, whoever.
By legislatively eliminating the legal and social repercussions homosexual behaviour, and simultaneously forcing society to come to terms with the immutable existence of GLBTs in Jamaican society, gay and bisexual men will feel less threatened and will forge relationships with each other directly, without feeling the need to involve unsuspecting women in risky behaviour.
The Down Low discussion is one that URGENTLY needs to be addressed in Jamaica. We claim that we are so tolerant now of GLBTs; that is utter nonsense. We try to make ourselves feel better about our own homophobic/heterosexist views, by claiming that all the violence perpetrated against the community is self-inflicted. Have we ever stopped to realize that the investigative capabilities of the Jamaican police force is not only limited, when compared with other police agencies around the world, but that laziness is a symptom of that problem? When a murder takes place, and the victim happens to be GLBT, do we really think that any further THOROUGH investigation takes place; or is it simply cast off as another lover's squabble? We hardly ever see the things that are right in front of us.
4/10/2010
I see that many persons still do not understand the direct association of increasing HIV/AIDS rates with the suppression of sexual minorities. The concept that people need to wrap their heads around is that by forcing homosexuality underground, we are indeed directly contributing to an increase in HIV/AIDS transmissions. How?
For those persons familiar with the "Down Low" phenomenon, it simply means that there are many gay, bisexual, or confused men in our society (it is not exclusive to the American society, and it is largely a male problem) who, because they are forced to hide their true feelings of attraction to other men, engage in heterosexual relations. Many of them are married men, who are gay or bisexual, and have (usually unprotected) sex with other men. The infections they subsequently catch from these encounters, is passed on to wife/girlfriend/matey, whoever.
By legislatively eliminating the legal and social repercussions homosexual behaviour, and simultaneously forcing society to come to terms with the immutable existence of GLBTs in Jamaican society, gay and bisexual men will feel less threatened and will forge relationships with each other directly, without feeling the need to involve unsuspecting women in risky behaviour.
The Down Low discussion is one that URGENTLY needs to be addressed in Jamaica. We claim that we are so tolerant now of GLBTs; that is utter nonsense. We try to make ourselves feel better about our own homophobic/heterosexist views, by claiming that all the violence perpetrated against the community is self-inflicted. Have we ever stopped to realize that the investigative capabilities of the Jamaican police force is not only limited, when compared with other police agencies around the world, but that laziness is a symptom of that problem? When a murder takes place, and the victim happens to be GLBT, do we really think that any further THOROUGH investigation takes place; or is it simply cast off as another lover's squabble? We hardly ever see the things that are right in front of us.
Carl Brow
4/10/2010
give one reason y laying with the same sex is right
4/10/2010
give one reason y laying with the same sex is right
Seth Daley
4/9/2010
I wish everyone could just live and let live, acceptance is unnecessary, but tolerance is... You do not have to accept someone's lifestyle in order to tolerate it... Lets stop the attacks both verbal and physical. Just ignore their proclivities, and treat them for who they are, our fellow countrymen and women... At the end of the day we all have freedom of choice, if we want to sleep with the same sex, we will, and if we do not want to we won't.... Ostracizing someone for their choices will not change anything... We have seen significant increases in homosexual activities despite our best efforts to stamp them out and we had less problems with the lifestyle, in the 60"s and 70"s when we all minded our own collective businesses... So let us mind our own businesses. They do who and what they do and we do who and what we do... If we choose to associate with them, that's our own individual problem to deal with...
4/9/2010
I wish everyone could just live and let live, acceptance is unnecessary, but tolerance is... You do not have to accept someone's lifestyle in order to tolerate it... Lets stop the attacks both verbal and physical. Just ignore their proclivities, and treat them for who they are, our fellow countrymen and women... At the end of the day we all have freedom of choice, if we want to sleep with the same sex, we will, and if we do not want to we won't.... Ostracizing someone for their choices will not change anything... We have seen significant increases in homosexual activities despite our best efforts to stamp them out and we had less problems with the lifestyle, in the 60"s and 70"s when we all minded our own collective businesses... So let us mind our own businesses. They do who and what they do and we do who and what we do... If we choose to associate with them, that's our own individual problem to deal with...
Dennon Williams
4/9/2010
The more I read the comments is the more I realise that our society is hemorrhaging because of intolerance. Our parlimentarians act the way they do, murder rate is the way it is because of intolerance and soon we will be on the verge of anarchy. All this talk about acceptance of homosexuals prove that homophobia is so entrenched in our society that persons refuse to engage their mind in this discourse.
Firstly, the observer has perhaps offered a more balanced view than everyone else reporting on this issue. The walk, being a walk for tolerance, had representatives from the most marginalised communities in Jamaica. There were people living with HIV, people representing drug addicts, sex workers, hearing impared, mobile populations and YES members of the GLBT community and with once voice they made a statement. The tolerance walk was not asking anyone for "acceptance". since when do human beings need permission to be. A collective statement was made and it isaid we are here and you are no longer going to be denied the dignity and rights that should be accorded every JAMAICAN,
There are people quoting from Bible about homosexuals. How dare you use a reconciliatory tool for the purpose of derision, division and misanthropy! The walk for tolerance is no difference from the tolerance that Galatians 5 has outline as indicative that the "Spirit" actually is in you. You cannot compartmentalise tolerance.
Then, people are raising the issue of people taking what they do behind closed doors to the street. such a claim is not just hyperbolic but it is down right disingenuos and LIE. Did anyone one see any 2 members of the same sex displaying any public acts of affection on that walk? How then was the bedroom (behind closed doors) taken to the street? My people. let us dig our heads from under the sand. The issue of tolerance and the constituents that are calling for tolerance is not a moral issue, it is a human rights issue. people living with HIV, the hearing impared, children, youth, and YES HOMOSEXUALS and other members of the GLBTQI communities are not asking permission to be - they are asserting it and it is wonderful!!
I stand in solidarity as a person of faith, as a world citizen and as a human being with other human beings who have been stigmatised and denied human rights. "MADDA di great stone got to move... the stones of injustice, bigotry, and oppressive religious dogma have to move.
4/9/2010
The more I read the comments is the more I realise that our society is hemorrhaging because of intolerance. Our parlimentarians act the way they do, murder rate is the way it is because of intolerance and soon we will be on the verge of anarchy. All this talk about acceptance of homosexuals prove that homophobia is so entrenched in our society that persons refuse to engage their mind in this discourse.
Firstly, the observer has perhaps offered a more balanced view than everyone else reporting on this issue. The walk, being a walk for tolerance, had representatives from the most marginalised communities in Jamaica. There were people living with HIV, people representing drug addicts, sex workers, hearing impared, mobile populations and YES members of the GLBT community and with once voice they made a statement. The tolerance walk was not asking anyone for "acceptance". since when do human beings need permission to be. A collective statement was made and it isaid we are here and you are no longer going to be denied the dignity and rights that should be accorded every JAMAICAN,
There are people quoting from Bible about homosexuals. How dare you use a reconciliatory tool for the purpose of derision, division and misanthropy! The walk for tolerance is no difference from the tolerance that Galatians 5 has outline as indicative that the "Spirit" actually is in you. You cannot compartmentalise tolerance.
Then, people are raising the issue of people taking what they do behind closed doors to the street. such a claim is not just hyperbolic but it is down right disingenuos and LIE. Did anyone one see any 2 members of the same sex displaying any public acts of affection on that walk? How then was the bedroom (behind closed doors) taken to the street? My people. let us dig our heads from under the sand. The issue of tolerance and the constituents that are calling for tolerance is not a moral issue, it is a human rights issue. people living with HIV, the hearing impared, children, youth, and YES HOMOSEXUALS and other members of the GLBTQI communities are not asking permission to be - they are asserting it and it is wonderful!!
I stand in solidarity as a person of faith, as a world citizen and as a human being with other human beings who have been stigmatised and denied human rights. "MADDA di great stone got to move... the stones of injustice, bigotry, and oppressive religious dogma have to move.
Don Jam
4/9/2010
Intolerance of a group of people because of who they are and is, YES, akin to racism! During the civil rights movement and prior Black Americans for example were consistently denied basic human rights and were treated as less than. Very similar to the viewa of majority of my fellow Jamaicans
4/9/2010
Intolerance of a group of people because of who they are and is, YES, akin to racism! During the civil rights movement and prior Black Americans for example were consistently denied basic human rights and were treated as less than. Very similar to the viewa of majority of my fellow Jamaicans
Elli Deedo
4/9/2010
The World is made up of a het-erogeneous population. This is not obscured, it's very clear to be seen. We all have a obligation to protect ourselves from the dangers which help'a to make up this very Complex planet known to us as Earth: Homosexuality is a psychiatric symptoms of sexual disorders. Psychiatric studies provide some evidence of it's causes.
Genetic Factors, Constitutional predesposition. The influence of physiological and harmonial factors etc. Psychotherapy can help some Homosexuals who are burdened by guilt, neurotic difficulties, etc. But it is the view of some Psychiatrists that no cure can be offered which will help a complete Homosexual. We must also protect our Children from these abnormal Characters. We must live with every one, but do not allow them to psychologically distort our moral. Some Homosexuals are intelligent people, who are aware of the danger, but just dont care.. because it's a illness in which they are not fully aware of. Homosexuality is a branch of Mental illness which must not be allowed to flourished in Jamaica. I would advise Homos to stop seaking support for this Branch of immoral activity:
4/9/2010
The World is made up of a het-erogeneous population. This is not obscured, it's very clear to be seen. We all have a obligation to protect ourselves from the dangers which help'a to make up this very Complex planet known to us as Earth: Homosexuality is a psychiatric symptoms of sexual disorders. Psychiatric studies provide some evidence of it's causes.
Genetic Factors, Constitutional predesposition. The influence of physiological and harmonial factors etc. Psychotherapy can help some Homosexuals who are burdened by guilt, neurotic difficulties, etc. But it is the view of some Psychiatrists that no cure can be offered which will help a complete Homosexual. We must also protect our Children from these abnormal Characters. We must live with every one, but do not allow them to psychologically distort our moral. Some Homosexuals are intelligent people, who are aware of the danger, but just dont care.. because it's a illness in which they are not fully aware of. Homosexuality is a branch of Mental illness which must not be allowed to flourished in Jamaica. I would advise Homos to stop seaking support for this Branch of immoral activity:
Eliana Williams
4/9/2010
Observer,
I think that whoever is supervising this blog is very partial to certain comments...i.e. comments that are more in line with your views. If this is not so, what possible reason could there be for not publishing my blog? I had no offensive comments or libel in it... This make me realize then that these very 'safe' comments that are listed were well chosen and that many other persons are HIGHLY offended by the stance of these so-called gay persons in our country, but alas, they too have been silence - Oh, the power of the media!
4/9/2010
Observer,
I think that whoever is supervising this blog is very partial to certain comments...i.e. comments that are more in line with your views. If this is not so, what possible reason could there be for not publishing my blog? I had no offensive comments or libel in it... This make me realize then that these very 'safe' comments that are listed were well chosen and that many other persons are HIGHLY offended by the stance of these so-called gay persons in our country, but alas, they too have been silence - Oh, the power of the media!
John Smith
4/9/2010
What I cannot understand about the buggery law is why it focuses on men. What about heterosexual couples? Come on now, you know what I'm talking about. What about female couples? Use your imagination - not too difficult.
So I've set the stage - now my question is: Why does the buggery law focus on males when it can clearly apply to heterosexual couples and female homosexual couples as well?
Now that is true discrimination. Singling out people engages in an act, simply because they're homosexual, while everybody else can do it as they please? That is no better than discriminating against someone because of their race.
Jamaicans who support this stupidness should be ashamed and just like how God judge di white man dem fi dem cruelty under slavery, so God will judge the supporters of this law for their bigotry. You bible quoters better ask for forgiveness. I know many Christians who have no problems with gay people.
4/9/2010
What I cannot understand about the buggery law is why it focuses on men. What about heterosexual couples? Come on now, you know what I'm talking about. What about female couples? Use your imagination - not too difficult.
So I've set the stage - now my question is: Why does the buggery law focus on males when it can clearly apply to heterosexual couples and female homosexual couples as well?
Now that is true discrimination. Singling out people engages in an act, simply because they're homosexual, while everybody else can do it as they please? That is no better than discriminating against someone because of their race.
Jamaicans who support this stupidness should be ashamed and just like how God judge di white man dem fi dem cruelty under slavery, so God will judge the supporters of this law for their bigotry. You bible quoters better ask for forgiveness. I know many Christians who have no problems with gay people.
KING DAVID
4/9/2010
I agree with one of the writers who states that in the USA majority of the people are against Homosexuals. Lets stop trying to analyze and sanitized this abnormal behavior. The promiscuous, and other forms of sexual deviants were never accepted in most circles in Jamaica, and they are aware of their moral deficiency, thieves, prostitutes, child molesters..ect I don't think anyone in those groups would dispute that. So homosexuals please hold your corner, if thats your lifestyle, I don't accept it, I will not give you no respect like the the thieves and others morons, because you're abominable and despicable. I will not advocate or support violence of any kind against you, unfortunately thieves in Jamaica isn't that fortunate when they are caught. Why not keep your dastardly behavior in the confines of your place of dwelling. I would think thats the appropriate thing to do, notwithstanding, its negative impact it has on humanity. For those who argue that they are humans, I must agree, but their act counter the very essence of Humanity, seeing they do not subscribe to the reproductive cycle.
4/9/2010
I agree with one of the writers who states that in the USA majority of the people are against Homosexuals. Lets stop trying to analyze and sanitized this abnormal behavior. The promiscuous, and other forms of sexual deviants were never accepted in most circles in Jamaica, and they are aware of their moral deficiency, thieves, prostitutes, child molesters..ect I don't think anyone in those groups would dispute that. So homosexuals please hold your corner, if thats your lifestyle, I don't accept it, I will not give you no respect like the the thieves and others morons, because you're abominable and despicable. I will not advocate or support violence of any kind against you, unfortunately thieves in Jamaica isn't that fortunate when they are caught. Why not keep your dastardly behavior in the confines of your place of dwelling. I would think thats the appropriate thing to do, notwithstanding, its negative impact it has on humanity. For those who argue that they are humans, I must agree, but their act counter the very essence of Humanity, seeing they do not subscribe to the reproductive cycle.
Jalna Broderick
4/9/2010
As a participant of the Tolerance Walk, I thank all my fellow Jamaicans, for the comments, both good and bad as this shows we have reached a point were civil discussions can take place, even if some would like to sink into the pit of violence.
I made this walk for many reasons, the main one being, support of those living with and affected by HIV/AIDS, I have over the years seen to many heterosexual, homosexuals and children die from this disease. I made this walk for all the communities who are bearing the brunt of blame for the spread of HIV/AIDS i.e. Sex Workers, the Gay community, Drug users etc.
But most importantly I made this walk for me, for I will no longer allow others to dictate to me what I can or can not do with the life that God has given me, I am a human being with all the rights of any other person on this earth. I will no longer stand in a closet and have others tell me I am not worthy to exists.
I am an out a proud lesbian
JSB
4/9/2010
As a participant of the Tolerance Walk, I thank all my fellow Jamaicans, for the comments, both good and bad as this shows we have reached a point were civil discussions can take place, even if some would like to sink into the pit of violence.
I made this walk for many reasons, the main one being, support of those living with and affected by HIV/AIDS, I have over the years seen to many heterosexual, homosexuals and children die from this disease. I made this walk for all the communities who are bearing the brunt of blame for the spread of HIV/AIDS i.e. Sex Workers, the Gay community, Drug users etc.
But most importantly I made this walk for me, for I will no longer allow others to dictate to me what I can or can not do with the life that God has given me, I am a human being with all the rights of any other person on this earth. I will no longer stand in a closet and have others tell me I am not worthy to exists.
I am an out a proud lesbian
JSB
Elli Deedo
4/9/2010
They Gay community might not be trying to ram acceptance of their life style down the throaths of us who are opposed to homosexuality; but rather giving us a very small dosage of a poisonous substance known in Chemistry as steel grey!!, (arsenic) it slowly break's down the immune system if administered in very small dosage.
It take's a good time to find out what's going on inside of your system. Forensic pathologist will eventually write your death Certificate as one whom was given a poisonous substance for over a long period. We continue's to accept their demonstration, their plea for reckognition as another set of human beings desperate to go their ways, disregarding the risk of HIV -AIDS. Therefore slowly they will obtain their freedom to establish their immoral sexual behaviour publicly in Jamaica...Homosexual marriage on the front Page of the news in Jamaica!! We will allow them to demonstrate, that's their democratic rights, but it will go no further, and must not be allowed to. Any letters written to the authority from Homosexual groups seaking reckognition will be thrown in the rubbish bin; but they can always demonstrate, it will always be appreciated, and their rights to do so will be protected..but nothing further:)
4/9/2010
They Gay community might not be trying to ram acceptance of their life style down the throaths of us who are opposed to homosexuality; but rather giving us a very small dosage of a poisonous substance known in Chemistry as steel grey!!, (arsenic) it slowly break's down the immune system if administered in very small dosage.
It take's a good time to find out what's going on inside of your system. Forensic pathologist will eventually write your death Certificate as one whom was given a poisonous substance for over a long period. We continue's to accept their demonstration, their plea for reckognition as another set of human beings desperate to go their ways, disregarding the risk of HIV -AIDS. Therefore slowly they will obtain their freedom to establish their immoral sexual behaviour publicly in Jamaica...Homosexual marriage on the front Page of the news in Jamaica!! We will allow them to demonstrate, that's their democratic rights, but it will go no further, and must not be allowed to. Any letters written to the authority from Homosexual groups seaking reckognition will be thrown in the rubbish bin; but they can always demonstrate, it will always be appreciated, and their rights to do so will be protected..but nothing further:)
Mary Fowler
4/9/2010
It is time for all people to accept others as they are and let everyone live their lives in the open and be accepted as human beings, all having the same and equal rights. Homosexuality does not make a person bad. People who are homosexuals are not different from others except for their sexual orientation. Homosexuals are first and foremost human beings; they love, have feelings, care for others; they are brothers, sisters, uncles aunts, mothers and fathers too. In short they are no different from you or me. Let us all accept each other, with all our differences and similarities. The world will be a better place.
4/9/2010
It is time for all people to accept others as they are and let everyone live their lives in the open and be accepted as human beings, all having the same and equal rights. Homosexuality does not make a person bad. People who are homosexuals are not different from others except for their sexual orientation. Homosexuals are first and foremost human beings; they love, have feelings, care for others; they are brothers, sisters, uncles aunts, mothers and fathers too. In short they are no different from you or me. Let us all accept each other, with all our differences and similarities. The world will be a better place.
mark holford
4/9/2010
It's a positive editorial - apart from the last paragraph: how can one small march for tolerance be characterized as ramming acceptance down peoples' throats? That is ridiculous.
All that is being asked for is basic civil rights, and equality in the eyes of the law.
4/9/2010
It's a positive editorial - apart from the last paragraph: how can one small march for tolerance be characterized as ramming acceptance down peoples' throats? That is ridiculous.
All that is being asked for is basic civil rights, and equality in the eyes of the law.
Stephen Gunter
4/9/2010
re: the paragraph: "Indeed, there is a valid argument that the suppression of these groups through legislation and other societal pressures has facilitated the spread of the deadly HIV/AIDS virus which is often mistakenly associated with them" I have to ask the question:
If associating HIV / AIDS with homosexuals is a mistake, how then can the suppression of homosexual groups facilitate the spread of the virus? It is either that homosexuals are a high risk group for HIV / AIDS, or not. It cannot be both. The paragraph as written by the Editor contradicts itself.
4/9/2010
re: the paragraph: "Indeed, there is a valid argument that the suppression of these groups through legislation and other societal pressures has facilitated the spread of the deadly HIV/AIDS virus which is often mistakenly associated with them" I have to ask the question:
If associating HIV / AIDS with homosexuals is a mistake, how then can the suppression of homosexual groups facilitate the spread of the virus? It is either that homosexuals are a high risk group for HIV / AIDS, or not. It cannot be both. The paragraph as written by the Editor contradicts itself.
STEPHANIE W
4/9/2010
Maxie, aren't all sinners accepted in church? Jesus came for the sinners. I guess we have become the ultimate judge above God by saying who can and can not come into church. Tsk, tsk, God warned you about that.
4/9/2010
Maxie, aren't all sinners accepted in church? Jesus came for the sinners. I guess we have become the ultimate judge above God by saying who can and can not come into church. Tsk, tsk, God warned you about that.
STEPHANIE W
4/9/2010
STOP BEING HYPOCRITES! I can't stand when people use the bible to quote why homosexuality is wrong. I am not disputing the fact that the bible DOES say this, what is hypocritical is that when murder, rape and child abuse articles are printed I DO NOT see ANYONE quoting scripture for that. THOSE ARE BIGGER PROBLEMS IN JAMAICA THAN HOMOSEXUALITY. Anthony, do you really believe you are an intelligent person saying that HIV/AID is a gay issue??? There are 35, 000 people identified as being HIV/AIDS infected in Jamaica, do you really believe they are all gay? That is NOT the truth. Africa has a whole generation that has practically been wiped out in parts of Africa because they have died from this disease leaving their CHILDREN, products of heterosexual relationships, without parents. There are children raising children there because of this. People with this ignorant idea that is only homosexuals that get this (or that homosexuals have created it) are risking their own lives with this believe. They are the ones that will choose not to protect themselves one day with their partner of the opposite sex and therefore expose themselves to this virus. BTW, where is the crying out of the spread of STD's in JA? Herpes, syphilis, genital warts, chlamydia etc. Since HIV/AIDS is being perceived as a "gay issue" then one must accept that heterosexuals in JA are spreading more STD's than the gay community. Why isn't anyone outraged by that? Those diseases also cross the placenta and infect fetuses.
4/9/2010
STOP BEING HYPOCRITES! I can't stand when people use the bible to quote why homosexuality is wrong. I am not disputing the fact that the bible DOES say this, what is hypocritical is that when murder, rape and child abuse articles are printed I DO NOT see ANYONE quoting scripture for that. THOSE ARE BIGGER PROBLEMS IN JAMAICA THAN HOMOSEXUALITY. Anthony, do you really believe you are an intelligent person saying that HIV/AID is a gay issue??? There are 35, 000 people identified as being HIV/AIDS infected in Jamaica, do you really believe they are all gay? That is NOT the truth. Africa has a whole generation that has practically been wiped out in parts of Africa because they have died from this disease leaving their CHILDREN, products of heterosexual relationships, without parents. There are children raising children there because of this. People with this ignorant idea that is only homosexuals that get this (or that homosexuals have created it) are risking their own lives with this believe. They are the ones that will choose not to protect themselves one day with their partner of the opposite sex and therefore expose themselves to this virus. BTW, where is the crying out of the spread of STD's in JA? Herpes, syphilis, genital warts, chlamydia etc. Since HIV/AIDS is being perceived as a "gay issue" then one must accept that heterosexuals in JA are spreading more STD's than the gay community. Why isn't anyone outraged by that? Those diseases also cross the placenta and infect fetuses.
Wilfred Gray
4/9/2010
Jamaica is ben unfairly malign here for disengenous REASONS....MOST AMERICANS IN ANY STATE, `ALL MORE THAN THE POPULATION OF JAMAICA, SHARE OUR TYPE OF VIEWS AND CONSERVATIVES,TRADITIONAL, NATURAL HISTORY STANCE ON THIS ISSUE. A LOT OF `WHAT THE Y`CALLED `BLUE-DOG` DEMOCRAT, ALSO SHARE SAME VIEWS TOO..
AND IT IS LIKE THAT! FACT!
4/9/2010
Jamaica is ben unfairly malign here for disengenous REASONS....MOST AMERICANS IN ANY STATE, `ALL MORE THAN THE POPULATION OF JAMAICA, SHARE OUR TYPE OF VIEWS AND CONSERVATIVES,TRADITIONAL, NATURAL HISTORY STANCE ON THIS ISSUE. A LOT OF `WHAT THE Y`CALLED `BLUE-DOG` DEMOCRAT, ALSO SHARE SAME VIEWS TOO..
AND IT IS LIKE THAT! FACT!
Paula David
4/9/2010
I am encouraged by your editorial. I feel compelled, however, to point out that the gay community is by no means engaged in "offensive attempts to ram acceptance of that lifestyle" down anybody's throat. An insistence that human beings must be treated with dignity and respect cannot justly be so viewed. The gay community demands only that it be accorded the same legal rights and protections that the majority heterosexual community enjoys. Consenting adults should be right to have relationships without fear of legal sanction. Their right to privacy and the enjoyment of consensual relationships must be guaranteed and protected under the law.
I am constantly amazed that so many Jamaicans, despite our history of strident opposition to unfair treatment based on race or shade, are unable to see the parallels between the many campaigns throughout history by people of African descent to be treated with dignity and respect and the campaign of gays to demand affirmation of their basic human rights.
I invite you to examine the arguments put forward by groups such as JFlAG. I also invite you to read the case report of the famous case Loving v Virginia where a black woman and a white man challenged the state of Virginia's action in invalidating their marriage. When reading, substitute the references to "black" with references to "gay" or vice versa. You may well find yourself agreeing that what the gay community is demanding is not so radical or outlandish after all.
4/9/2010
I am encouraged by your editorial. I feel compelled, however, to point out that the gay community is by no means engaged in "offensive attempts to ram acceptance of that lifestyle" down anybody's throat. An insistence that human beings must be treated with dignity and respect cannot justly be so viewed. The gay community demands only that it be accorded the same legal rights and protections that the majority heterosexual community enjoys. Consenting adults should be right to have relationships without fear of legal sanction. Their right to privacy and the enjoyment of consensual relationships must be guaranteed and protected under the law.
I am constantly amazed that so many Jamaicans, despite our history of strident opposition to unfair treatment based on race or shade, are unable to see the parallels between the many campaigns throughout history by people of African descent to be treated with dignity and respect and the campaign of gays to demand affirmation of their basic human rights.
I invite you to examine the arguments put forward by groups such as JFlAG. I also invite you to read the case report of the famous case Loving v Virginia where a black woman and a white man challenged the state of Virginia's action in invalidating their marriage. When reading, substitute the references to "black" with references to "gay" or vice versa. You may well find yourself agreeing that what the gay community is demanding is not so radical or outlandish after all.
Oniel Richard
4/9/2010
Anthony, your comment was well written and right on target. This editorial was a weak attempt at trying to be progressive. The HIV/AIDS situation is similar to the crime situation in Jamaica..The prevailing thought being, move to a gated community and you will escape crime compared to Blame HIV/AIDS on homosexuals afterall this is not a hetero problem. Our citizens can be so delusional at times.As for Angel, Please you live in the UK..Im also sure their HIV rate is lower than ours as a percentage.(fact not sarcasm)
4/9/2010
Anthony, your comment was well written and right on target. This editorial was a weak attempt at trying to be progressive. The HIV/AIDS situation is similar to the crime situation in Jamaica..The prevailing thought being, move to a gated community and you will escape crime compared to Blame HIV/AIDS on homosexuals afterall this is not a hetero problem. Our citizens can be so delusional at times.As for Angel, Please you live in the UK..Im also sure their HIV rate is lower than ours as a percentage.(fact not sarcasm)
Richie L
4/9/2010
Observer, you were going fine until your last statement.
.
Why is it that people always say homosexuals are tying to ram down their lifestyles down the throat of the general population?
.
Do we say the same about heterosexual couples that openly show affection?
.
Or is it that a people demanding their right is construed as ramming down their lifestyle down other people's throat? No matter how you spin it, the aim of the homosexuals will always been seen as such, though they are simply demanding their God-given rights to be as they are.
.
Observer, you may not realize this, but you have just given succor to haters. Many will cover their bigotry with this excuse that homosexuals are trying to ram their lifestyle down people's throat while ignoring the real missions of the homosexuals.
.
If we as a nation don't get a more enlightened view on homosexuality then we are doomed as a nation, regardless of how we progress on economics and other measures.
.
Richie
4/9/2010
Observer, you were going fine until your last statement.
.
Why is it that people always say homosexuals are tying to ram down their lifestyles down the throat of the general population?
.
Do we say the same about heterosexual couples that openly show affection?
.
Or is it that a people demanding their right is construed as ramming down their lifestyle down other people's throat? No matter how you spin it, the aim of the homosexuals will always been seen as such, though they are simply demanding their God-given rights to be as they are.
.
Observer, you may not realize this, but you have just given succor to haters. Many will cover their bigotry with this excuse that homosexuals are trying to ram their lifestyle down people's throat while ignoring the real missions of the homosexuals.
.
If we as a nation don't get a more enlightened view on homosexuality then we are doomed as a nation, regardless of how we progress on economics and other measures.
.
Richie
Bill Bowen
4/9/2010
What ! I heard it was a AIDS/HIV March, I didn't know GAYS were there. jee wiz, what a brut dem lucky.
Oh it was a cover up headline, a bet you people can't do that again and make it known GAYS will be there.
mek wi si how it wud turn this time.
4/9/2010
What ! I heard it was a AIDS/HIV March, I didn't know GAYS were there. jee wiz, what a brut dem lucky.
Oh it was a cover up headline, a bet you people can't do that again and make it known GAYS will be there.
mek wi si how it wud turn this time.
Anthony II
4/9/2010
While I support the general tenor of the editorial, I want to point to this suggestion that HIV/AIDS is a homosexual issue, not an issue that should be national in nature and concern EVERYONE. The fact is that, in countries such as Jamaica, the majority of people suffering and dying from HIV/AIDS are HETEROSEXUALS. I thought that one of the objectives of your weekly column by Rosemarie Stone was to debunk this idea that AIDS is a "gay disease."
.
You obfuscate matters by suggesting that "the practical difference between yesterday's carefully worded exercise and an outright march for gay rights would have been razor-thin at best." How can one construe a march that aims "to engender goodwill, support and tolerance for persons living with HIV and AIDS" as a march for gay rights, regardless of who the attendees are? In other words, what you are doing is setting up people to be intolerant of such things the next time around. For ignorant, violence-prone people, and even some of the supposed enlightened ones, such as some posters here, the next march may be an occasion to set upon these people.
.
It is just amazing how prejudice and discrimination works. Every time I read these articles and the attendant comments, I just want to compare them to some of the columns and letters that newspapers probably carried in the 1700s and 1800s to support slavery, or some in the US carried just about three generations ago to support prejudice against blacks (including the liberal doses of 'bible' quotes from the righteous and upright!).
.
I wonder if when we hear songs about wifey and matey and how much gal man have or must have, or what kinds of sexual acts people get into, or people stealing love on the side, or we see men/women out in public with people who are not their wives/husbands, if we all start panicking and say we do not want these people to ram acceptance of their lives of adultery down our throats? Just wondering!
.
Ah well, the people who are victimized in any culture are always to be blamed for their victimization (JUST CHECK IT OUT). It is never "us" that we hate; it is always "them" that cause us to hate them! It is never the fault of the people who practise the victimization, it is always the victims' fault that others treat them with prejudice and discrimination. Me, I am just thankful that I am at a stage in my life where I understand what prejudice and discrimination are like and that I endeavor always, ALWAYS, never to have anyone say that I have treated him/her any less than as ANOTHER HUMAN BEING.
4/9/2010
While I support the general tenor of the editorial, I want to point to this suggestion that HIV/AIDS is a homosexual issue, not an issue that should be national in nature and concern EVERYONE. The fact is that, in countries such as Jamaica, the majority of people suffering and dying from HIV/AIDS are HETEROSEXUALS. I thought that one of the objectives of your weekly column by Rosemarie Stone was to debunk this idea that AIDS is a "gay disease."
.
You obfuscate matters by suggesting that "the practical difference between yesterday's carefully worded exercise and an outright march for gay rights would have been razor-thin at best." How can one construe a march that aims "to engender goodwill, support and tolerance for persons living with HIV and AIDS" as a march for gay rights, regardless of who the attendees are? In other words, what you are doing is setting up people to be intolerant of such things the next time around. For ignorant, violence-prone people, and even some of the supposed enlightened ones, such as some posters here, the next march may be an occasion to set upon these people.
.
It is just amazing how prejudice and discrimination works. Every time I read these articles and the attendant comments, I just want to compare them to some of the columns and letters that newspapers probably carried in the 1700s and 1800s to support slavery, or some in the US carried just about three generations ago to support prejudice against blacks (including the liberal doses of 'bible' quotes from the righteous and upright!).
.
I wonder if when we hear songs about wifey and matey and how much gal man have or must have, or what kinds of sexual acts people get into, or people stealing love on the side, or we see men/women out in public with people who are not their wives/husbands, if we all start panicking and say we do not want these people to ram acceptance of their lives of adultery down our throats? Just wondering!
.
Ah well, the people who are victimized in any culture are always to be blamed for their victimization (JUST CHECK IT OUT). It is never "us" that we hate; it is always "them" that cause us to hate them! It is never the fault of the people who practise the victimization, it is always the victims' fault that others treat them with prejudice and discrimination. Me, I am just thankful that I am at a stage in my life where I understand what prejudice and discrimination are like and that I endeavor always, ALWAYS, never to have anyone say that I have treated him/her any less than as ANOTHER HUMAN BEING.
KDN Mazerati
4/9/2010
I don't accept the lifestyle, but violence towards the group should not be tolerated. I don't like the COERCIVE push for acceptance, as if people who oppose the lifestyle is akin to a racist. The truth is that people who oppose it knows that it is not the norm, despite the argument that there is no norms in society...two individuals of the same sex cannot produce. What is done behind closed door should stay there when it come to deviant behavior. I say deviant behvior, not saying love is deviant behavior, but that, that kind of love deviates from the norm of man to woman.
4/9/2010
I don't accept the lifestyle, but violence towards the group should not be tolerated. I don't like the COERCIVE push for acceptance, as if people who oppose the lifestyle is akin to a racist. The truth is that people who oppose it knows that it is not the norm, despite the argument that there is no norms in society...two individuals of the same sex cannot produce. What is done behind closed door should stay there when it come to deviant behavior. I say deviant behvior, not saying love is deviant behavior, but that, that kind of love deviates from the norm of man to woman.
Paul Lewis
4/9/2010
To say that Jamaica has come a long way by allowing people to march, in support of a cause which affects more straight people than gays is saying a mouthful. Fostering intolerance can never be a wise decision, since we never know against whom it will next be applied, maybe the person who happens to have been born disabled. Using Religious beliefs to discriminate is also unwise, the Christ which the Religion was named for, was the most tolerant of all note: the story of the unclean woman or the soldier whose ear was cut off. We should not take it upon ourselves to exact judgement in the name of a Just and Forgiving God, for we are not and will never be immaculate. If homosexuals see the need to congregate to give thanks to their Heavenly Father who created us regardless of our flaws, then what is wrong with that. My contribution to the world is teaching my children to be the best they can be, to help those who need a hand and to not discriminate, since at one time we were the ones being discriminated against and thought of as less than a child of God.
4/9/2010
To say that Jamaica has come a long way by allowing people to march, in support of a cause which affects more straight people than gays is saying a mouthful. Fostering intolerance can never be a wise decision, since we never know against whom it will next be applied, maybe the person who happens to have been born disabled. Using Religious beliefs to discriminate is also unwise, the Christ which the Religion was named for, was the most tolerant of all note: the story of the unclean woman or the soldier whose ear was cut off. We should not take it upon ourselves to exact judgement in the name of a Just and Forgiving God, for we are not and will never be immaculate. If homosexuals see the need to congregate to give thanks to their Heavenly Father who created us regardless of our flaws, then what is wrong with that. My contribution to the world is teaching my children to be the best they can be, to help those who need a hand and to not discriminate, since at one time we were the ones being discriminated against and thought of as less than a child of God.
angel pin
4/9/2010
The bible clerarly states that this behaviour is not acceptable to God. This behaviour serves no purpose and should be washed away.
I LOVE JAMAICA MY COUNTRY FOR NOT ACCCEPTING THIS NASTINESS.
Angel from the UK
4/9/2010
The bible clerarly states that this behaviour is not acceptable to God. This behaviour serves no purpose and should be washed away.
I LOVE JAMAICA MY COUNTRY FOR NOT ACCCEPTING THIS NASTINESS.
Angel from the UK
Maxie Reid
4/9/2010
The Almighty God clearly prohibits such lifestyle and no argument about that.......when homos can have their own church who are they mocking? to whom is their worship directed? Jah Jah is not one to be mocked. Yes after march what else? a festival.
and just a little while longer and the wicked will be no more psalm 37: 10-11.
4/9/2010
The Almighty God clearly prohibits such lifestyle and no argument about that.......when homos can have their own church who are they mocking? to whom is their worship directed? Jah Jah is not one to be mocked. Yes after march what else? a festival.
and just a little while longer and the wicked will be no more psalm 37: 10-11.
george watson
4/9/2010
AT THE SAME TIME, THE HOMOSEXUAL COMMUNITY NEEDS TO CEASE ITS OFFENSIVE ATTEMPTS TO RAM ACCEPTANCE OF THAT LIFESTYLE DOWN THE THROATS OF THE MAJORITY OF PEOPLE IN THIS COUNTRY. FOR THAT WILL ONLY PERPETUATE THE HOSTILITY THAT PEOPLE FEEL TOWARDS THEM.
You have this uncanny ability to often mirror my thoughts, although you have the gift of saying it much better than I can. I have no beef with what these people do behind closed doors, but I feel very offended when they want to force me to accept them?
I think that nature must have played a trick on these men (?) else how could they would want to be with someone other than a woman, who is so cuddly and warm and soft and nice (it is early morning and I am getting carried away Mr. Editor) so I had better stop here.
I am happy though that despite such provocation Jamaica is taking a more tolerant attitude toward them, so that they could go on with their march.
They had better be careful that one day they are not led by the Pied Piper.
4/9/2010
AT THE SAME TIME, THE HOMOSEXUAL COMMUNITY NEEDS TO CEASE ITS OFFENSIVE ATTEMPTS TO RAM ACCEPTANCE OF THAT LIFESTYLE DOWN THE THROATS OF THE MAJORITY OF PEOPLE IN THIS COUNTRY. FOR THAT WILL ONLY PERPETUATE THE HOSTILITY THAT PEOPLE FEEL TOWARDS THEM.
You have this uncanny ability to often mirror my thoughts, although you have the gift of saying it much better than I can. I have no beef with what these people do behind closed doors, but I feel very offended when they want to force me to accept them?
I think that nature must have played a trick on these men (?) else how could they would want to be with someone other than a woman, who is so cuddly and warm and soft and nice (it is early morning and I am getting carried away Mr. Editor) so I had better stop here.
I am happy though that despite such provocation Jamaica is taking a more tolerant attitude toward them, so that they could go on with their march.
They had better be careful that one day they are not led by the Pied Piper.
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