Gay TV advert angers clerics

‘Part of a wider plan by militant homosexuals to desensitise Jamaicans’

BY NADINE WILSON Sunday Observer staff reporter wilsonn@jamaicaobserver.com

Sunday, August 07, 2011

A new public service announcement (PSA) encouraging families to embrace their homosexual members and which is expected to hit local airwaves sometime this month, is causing some church leaders great discomfort.

The made-for-television PSA was launched more than a week ago and features former Miss Jamaica World and Miss Jamaica Universe Christine Straw and her gay brother Matthew Straw encouraging Jamaicans to show love to their family members and friends who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT).

Straw is also seen declaring her unending love for her brother.

Among the agencies and individuals endorsing the advertisement are Women's Media Watch's Hilary Nicholson; first counsselor at the European Union, Helin Jenkinson; UNAIDS representative in Jamaica, Dr Pierre Somse; UNICEF representative, Rob Fuderich; convenor of Families Against State Terrorism (FAST), Yvonne McCalla-Sobers and several other human rights and anti-HIV activists.

The PSA has also received the considerable support of the United States Ambassador to Jamaica Pamela Bridgewater, who, during the launch, declared that “homophobia must be eliminated (in Jamaica) immediately”.

The backing of these powerful and varied individuals and groups notwithstanding, the PSA's message has not found favour with several church leaders who continue to maintain that anything outside of the heterosexual lifestyle is not in keeping with biblical principles and will, therefore, never be endorsed by the religious community.

“Inasmuch as you want to be accommodating, homosexuality is not biblical and from it is not biblical, then I have a problem,” said executive secretary of the Jamaica Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Milton Gregory.

Asked by the Sunday Observer for his view on the perennially controversial issue, Gregory added: “The ad itself can become repulsive for many people in society, and from a biblical perspective, where homosexuality is concerned, the Bible says that God is against it.”

The pastor said that while the church abhorred the lifestyle and practices of homosexuals, it did not advocate the abuse of gays and lesbians.

“It is not just homosexuality that the church condemns; the church condemns sex outside of marriage. Immorality is immorality, whether it is between man and man or a woman and a man outside of the sacredness of a marital relationship,” he said.

Commenting on the PSA launch, associate pastor of the Tower Hill Missionary Church in Kingston, Mark Dawes, suggested that the church needed to be more vocal in denouncing the homosexual lifestyle.

"I am prepared to be loving and compassionate to all persons, irrespective of their class or creed or persuasion, but that love and compassion to all and sundry will not stop me from speaking the truth in love as I see the truth,” said Dawes, a former journalist.

“As innocuous and as innocent as that public service announcement might appear, it is part of a wider plan by militant homosexuals to gradually desensitise Jamaicans to homosexuality, so that homosexual behaviour and practice can become mainstream in Jamaica,” asserted the pastor.

Rev Monsignor Kenneth Richards, rector at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Kingston, was just as sceptical of the message of the PSA, pointing out that the Catholic church did not embrace homosexual unions since they were not in keeping with religious principles.

“I don't think we should tolerate it, we should object to it. I don't think it should be broadcast,” said the priest when asked his views on the PSA.

But in defence of the PSA, Dane Lewis, executive director of gay rights lobby group, Jamaica Forum for Lesbians, All-sexuals and Gays (J-FLAG), said the ad was designed to encourage Jamaicans to love their family members and friends who were leading a homosexual lifestyle.

“It is our hope that this inspiring public declaration of love will motivate other families and friends of LGBT to share their stories of acceptance, and that those who are on a journey to acceptance will be moved to love LGBT persons in their lives unconditionally,” he said during the launch of the PSA.

A news release issued by JFLAG also went on to state that the PSA was “aimed at promoting the human rights of persons who are members of the LGBT community by encouraging Jamaicans to be unreserved about whom they love”.

Speaking with the Sunday Observer last week, Lewis said the PSA was already on popular video-sharing website YouTube, and this group was in the middle of negotiations with two local television stations to have it aired.

He said that members of the LGBT community were being severely discriminated against, especially by family members, further strengthening their belief that the country is very homophobic.

“The homophobia as we have seen, it is in the form of discrimination towards the gay and lesbian community,” he said, before accusing the church of being among those institutions encouraging homophobia in Jamaica.

“The church raises issues of morality in dialogues as it relates to gays and lesbians, but we feel it is immoral to hate, and so, on that basis, the church is homophobic,” he said.

Still, Lewis was quick to add: “I don't want to bash all churches because there have been denominations that have been supportive in certain areas and have recognised the need for spiritual support for gays, lesbians and transgenders."

He pointed to a national survey conducted by Professor Ian Boxill earlier this year that found that the strongest objections to homosexuality in Jamaica are based on religious perspectives. The survey showed that 81.8 per cent of those interviewed attended church and 82 per cent felt that homosexuality was morally wrong.

But pastor of the Hope Gospel Assembly in Kingston, Peter Garth, was keen to point out that issues of morality were not the only reasons for objection to the homosexual lifestyle.

“I don't normally approach it by dealing with the Bible first; I look at it from a medical perspective, we look at it psychologically, we look at it socially; we see the tremendous problems associated with that lifestyle.”

Garth, saying that he had always been open to holding discussions with members of the LGBT community, added:

“Based on our principles, we wouldn't marry them. We don't believe in same-sex marriage, but we talk with them, we counsel them, we help them, we spend time with them and for years I have been doing that.”

For his part, president of the Deliverance Evangelistic Association, Bishop Herro Blair, said the church would continue to speak out against the homosexual lifestyle while at the same time encouraging society to refrain from harming members of the LGBT community.

“I understand their fear, because society is not yet educated with regards to the fact that this lifestyle is here and it is probably going to be here for a long time. And, as I have strongly said before, people should not go out and physically abuse these people,” said Blair who is also the political ombudsman.

Still, he said the church could not change its message: “There are things that we classify as sins that we can't change and homosexuality is one.”

POST A COMMENT

You must first register and then login to be able to post a comment.

HOUSE RULES

1. We welcome reader comments on the top stories of the day. Some comments may be republished on the website or in the newspaper – email addresses will not be published.

2. Please understand that comments are moderated and it is not always possible to publish all that have been submitted. We will, however, try to publish comments that are representative of all received.

3. We ask that comments are civil and free of libellous or hateful material. Also please stick to the topic under discussion.

4. Please do not write in block capitals since this makes your comment hard to read.

5. Please don't use the comments to advertise. However, our advertising department can be more than accommodating if emailed: advertising@jamaicaobserver.com.

6. If readers wish to report offensive comments, suggest a correction or share a story then please email: community@jamaicaobserver.com.

7. Lastly, read our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy, and before commenting you need to register, conveniently, by clicking the link above.

COMMENTS (35)

Lolita Scott
8/7/2011

Sin is sin - homosexuality is a sin just like having sex outside of marriage That is what the Bible says. Its the same sin when married men have sex with women who they are not married to. I do not see why the church has this great emphasis on
homosexuality and not the other sins. No one is beating upon the men and women who are committing adultery. Christians should pray for the homosexuals that God will deliver them and also for those who are commiting adultery and fornication.

Maude Cooper
8/7/2011

According to early writings before Christ, (BC) Alexander the Great was gay, his father Phillip the 2nd. was gay and was even murdered by one of his gay lovers. Plato was also said to be gay as well should university students not read about them too? I think the ad idea is a good one.

Jay Me
8/7/2011

The bible said to judge not. but I would like to share my opinion. I don't think you can be a homo and a christian at the same time, the bible prohibits this lifestyle. I for one will not be force to accept something that I believe is inherently wrong. someone made a comparison about people born with deformities and gays, two different situation, gays weren't born that way. physce can be altered, an abnormality cannot

Patrick Gaskins
8/7/2011

@fall mouth, the difference here is huge, as gay relations are of the most part consenual, while pedophillia is a crime because someone gets hurt, im really tired of people equating LGBT people to pedophiles, it plain stupidity, who are gay people hurting, no one, who are pedophiles hurting, children, your argument does not not hold water..

Jakan 2011
8/7/2011

Love thy neighbour does not mean do as thy neighbour does or support thy neighbour's folly. This ad is psychological warfare and brainwashing our children. In whose interest is it to spend all this money to get up in people's face in this manner. It is ridiculous, provoking and misplaced.

J W
8/7/2011

I left organized religion years ago, quite simply LOVE is not conditional why would I want to help you who tells me to hate the people around me and cast them out: the two commandments "Love the lord thy God and Love thy neighbour as thyself" these were given with no conditions. I live in a country where same sex marriage is legal, who people sleep with at home is very simply not my business as long as it doesn't involve children, animals or those not able to decide for themselves.

e h
8/7/2011

A. I am not gay, never was, never will be. Living in the Slums I have been accused of being Gay simply because I did not have a Girl Friend from the Area. I had to physically deal with the matter on more than one occasion. That is the reality of life in some places on the Rock. If anyone should hate gays it should be I. I have lost the only job I could get because of a Gay Male, prior to that I was expelled from one High School because of a Gay Principal.

e h
8/7/2011

B. I do not support their lifestyles but I believe in all Rights for Gays and Lesbians. Problem we are facing is culture has devolved into a lack of respect for others. So now we have push in one direction, this is the push-forward. I warned of it.
We have now officially lost our Independence right on Independence Day. Ambassador Bridgewater now Czar of cultural norms dictates that we immediately reverse over a Decade old ramping up of mainly rhetoric against Gays and Lesbians.

e h
8/7/2011

C. It is all our fault, but there are some very public actors on both sides.
Blame:
Prime Minister Bruised Golding (for his intemperate outburst)
Colonel Josey Wales, Buju Banton, Gay-Flag (for help in fashioing the new culture)
Clovis (LOL even though I like all his Cartoons, but can tell he can't stand them.)
It is of no use that be belated point out that most violence against Gays and Lesbians is Gay-on-Gay and/or Lesbian-on-Lesbian, the die is cast.
For all the folks who were railing for the USA Culture to supplant our Commonwealth Heritage fullJoy the Ads!

Chuck Emanuel
8/7/2011

@Ramon Castro : I concur on this issue.

Adam Godson
8/7/2011

What ever happened to love thy neighbour?

pete delisser
8/7/2011

The word is "LOVE"..not hate. I feel so sorry for these Jamaican clerics. If we preached more "LOVE", Jamaica would be far better place. SO let them scream & get angry, the word will always be LOVE, and thats what GOD stand for- in case they forget!!
congrats to Miss Straw & her brother, & all those who made this ad possible!!

fall mouth
8/7/2011

@Maureen McKay@Wether Gay is wrong or right is for god to judge NOT Man, God teaches forgiveness and love, he does not teach hate, you bible bashing savages are a bunch of hypocrites, ! your time would be better spent helping the police to fight crime.Wolves!!
@Me Whether bestiality/pedophilia is wrong or right is for God to judge NOT man, God teaches forgiveness and love, he does not teach hate, you bible bashing savages are a bunch of hypocrites. Your time would be better spent helping the police to fight crime.Wolves!!
Do you think your argument still holds water?

Richie L
8/7/2011

Well, my feeling on.......yawn, yawn......sorry, I am just a....yawn....
.
As I was saying, I feel............
.
ZZZZZZZZZZ....................
.
Richie

Carlos Bryson
8/7/2011

Gay or not is not what ails us as a country. Being critical of any issue does not equate to hate. On the other hand I would prefer to have a gay person as my neighbor than some of these heartless murderes roaming our country. Finally, this is the wrong approach. Most of the people mentioned as supporters are foreigners. How many times foreigners are mentioned as supporters of issues in their respective countries in order to promote acceptance? NADA! Keep it local. Dialog and education.

Jaye Stone
8/7/2011

Religion may have had its uses in the past, but has now become a blight on the progress of humankind. Just read the article regarding the fortuneteller who is making money off the stupidity, fear and gullibility of the masses. I congratulate him. The church doesn't speak out against fortunetelling (as the bible does) because they engage in it too.

The Patriot
8/7/2011

Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind. Outsiders are not concerned with our crime or the general well being of our nation but only that they can spread their lust and love of pleasure to all corners of the earth at all cost. Until we lead this country so that every Jamaican is respected worldwide then people will continue to use us.

Chuck Emanuel
8/7/2011

So, whose family is it ? Is it yours ?. People are quite aware and has the choice to determine how they wish to embrace their families. To show love for family as far as I am aware is not a crime, is it ?.
Additionally, which Jamaicans is this going to "desensitise" ?.
How is it these "clerics" are not angered by the corruption , the shielding of criminals from justice, the be-headings of citizens, the 15,000 murders a year and the sexual abuse of under-age children in the churches ?

Gene Knall
8/7/2011

The Pastors who have come out (no pun intended) to denounce this ad on the basis on biblical teachings are akin to the hyporcites of the very bible they are hiding behind. Pharasies them all! Where were they with their bible teachings when beheadings, rape, murder, incest, crime, robbery, immorality and all the other vices the bible teach against? Where were theyw hen their colleague pastors are robbing and rapiong and theifing? Where were their voices then? Let's obey all of the bible.

Tanya Wright
8/7/2011

While I may not agree with homosexuality, I also do not agree with harming persons of such persuasion. The church has a right to preach its belief. Sin is sin, and for those who attend church know that homosexuality is not the only thing preached against from the pulpit. Just as how we can love our relatives that commit a crime (murder, stealing etc) but hate what they did, it is the same way we have to deal with our homosexual relatives.

Wa Tch
8/7/2011

I despise this kind of thing. I don't like it at all at all.

Miss Jamaica
8/7/2011

The church preaches love they neighbour as thyself but do not approve of people loving their gay relatives?
Their argument is that homosexuality is against biblical principles. Is theft, murder, rape against biblical principles? I have never seen the church say that it is not okay to love relatives who indulge in these acts.
Wait! What is the church's view on loving men do not take care of their children? Mothers who encourage their daughters into prostitution?
kmt

Ray Stennett
8/7/2011

Why do they to pretend that others hate homosexuals? Christians love the sinner but hate the sin,it's against God's law. Is God and His Words still relevant or we have outgrown those ancient ideas? There's nothing homophobic about calling deviant behavior wrong. It doesn't take much knowledge of physiology to realize that the human body isn't design for homo relationships. Why is the US ambassador sticking her nose into this? Lady, white slavers used this practice to break many African runaways.

Meat Head
8/7/2011

As shown here, our religious fervour is damaging to our international reputation and possibly to our economic progress as well. This fervour can be easily exploited by the unscrupulous when they hypocritically select scripture that purportedly supports their moral biasses. For example, how often do these same leaders speak of Biblical support for the crimes of genocide, murder, or child abuse, offering one's daughter to be raped by a mob?

vawhn moxam
8/7/2011

FYI the word homophobia was created by someone who beleives that the anus and the vibrator are sexual organs. They are not, we don't even have to use it.

vawhn moxam
8/7/2011

These people are trying very hard to force us to accept their lifestyle. We should resist with equal force People like Pamela Bridgewater and others should leave our internal affairs alone I strongly advise our Prime Minister, if he wants to cement his place in the hearts of the Jamaican people,to declare these people persona non grata or at least tell them to shut up.

Maxie Reid
8/7/2011

Could anyone recall what happen to Sodom and Gom ? A similar time is fast approaching.....you were warned!

Karen Blight
8/7/2011

Here is a few other biblical teaching that the church might want to promote:
Leviticus condemned homosexuality, this is what he said.
1) Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.
Leviticus, 18. 22
He also said:
1) Whosoever he be of thy seed in their generation that hath any blemish, let him not approach to offer the bread of his God: a blind man, or a lame, or he that hath a flat nose…Leviticus 21: 17-18

Ramon Castro
8/7/2011

Not bothered by gays but gays who are promiscuous. Equally, I am outraged by straight menwomen who think they must have sex with every female/men they come in contact with or wome who have children with three or four different men. How many children are suffering because the mem who fathered them is no where to be found. How may homes are headed by single mothers? The church should be active in promoting family value and morality whether it involved gays or sraiyghts. That should be the message!

Ramon Castro
8/7/2011

There are gay people in Jamaica. That's a fact!! No amount of suppression will make Jamaica a gay free country. Deal with it!! I beleive being gay is adnormal. So too, is being born with a crippled hand, a mental retardation, Why is the society accepting of some one born with a psychological, physical or mental disorder but cannot do the sane with sexual disorder? In a perfect world no one would be born disabled but this is not a perfect world. As a christian I am not bothered by gays (cont)

Jaye Stone
8/7/2011

Silly statement by the ambassador. The attitude of an entire nation cannot be changed "immediately" As for the church upset over the ad, of course the leaders would be mad. We must not love our gay family members, but continue to revile them and persecute them and say all manner of evil about them. That's what God wants, isn't it?

jenn longmore
8/7/2011

yes the church and the other hypocrites can continue to ..speak out against the lifestyle but refrain from encouraging harm...how noble !!..Maybe everyone who pays taxes and and who are productive members of society straight and gay alike who want a just society should withhold taxes, and strike since some non productive church goers..and useless politicians insist on discrimination and hate ?

Maureen McKay
8/7/2011

So tell me dear clerics, is Murder, Rape, fornication, Lying and Hate supported in the bible ?
Doesnt the bible teach Love? like Jesus quoted in the good old bible you lot claim to abide by, YOU Hypocrites ! who without sin first cast a stone !!
Wether Gay is wrong or right is for god to judge NOT Man, God teaches forgiveness and love, he does not teach hate, you bible bashing savages are a bunch of hypocrites, ! your time would be better spent helping the police to fight crime.
Wolves!!

Reginald Thurston
8/7/2011

I want to congratulate the Straw youngsters on their bravery and good sense. They exhibit so much more loving kindness than the church people. These pastors are not my pastors, and I dont feel they have a role or job to tell me how I should treat a family member who is gay, or anyone who is gay for that matter. Let them convince their own flocks instead of imposing their wills and their "morality" by force of law on the rest of us. I pause only to express disappointment with Monsignor Richards.

george watson
8/7/2011

If I want to love my gay relative it does not take an ad to convince me to do so.
I think this is another way not only to figuratively but to literally push things down our throats.
Why is Ms. B dictating our morals? There is enough wrongdoing for her to concern herself with rather than interfering in our values and mores.
I have nothing against them (I even think for many it is not a matter of choice) but for heaven's sake don't mainstream it.
The paedophiles may soon claim = rights.

Do you feel buying into Facebook now is a good investment for the long-run?
	Yes
	No

View Results
Results published weekly in Sunday Finance

Username:
Password:

Teen killed for laughing at man who fell from bicycle

Gay TV advert angers clerics