Dear Editor,

Last Friday, June 26, 2015, the United States became the 21st country to allow same-sex marriage as a right of all and not a privilege. Many lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Jamaicans and allies are excited about the ruling.

Some Jamaican LGBTs are anxious to be able to express their love in committed, legally recognised relationships. It is a goal many of us share. J-FLAG wishes to congratulate all the brave individuals and organisations in the United States that have worked tirelessly toward this historic ruling. We are delighted that lesbian and gay couples in that country can further demonstrate their love and commitment to each other through one of civilisation’s oldest institutions.

Many people have expressed that they are concerned about the ruling and its potential impact here, and argued this is what J-FLAG is pursuing. As we should all know, the Supreme Court ruling has no effect on our constitution and J-FLAG is focused on securing fundamental rights, equality and dignity for the LGBT community in Jamaica.

Many people have expressed that they are concerned about the ruling and its potential impact here, and argued this is what J-FLAG is pursuing. As we should all know, the Supreme Court ruling has no effect on our constitution and J-FLAG is focused on securing fundamental rights, equality and dignity for the LGBT community in Jamaica.

I use this opportunity to make clear that J-FLAG is dedicated to making Jamaica a safe, cohesive, and just society for every single Jamaican, in every nook and cranny. We remain committed to legislative and policy reform aimed at eliminating institutionalised homophobia, inequality, injustices, and inequity. As a matter of urgency, our organisation’s legislative and policy activities are keen on ensuring that children and youth are no longer made homeless or bullied because of their real or perceived sexual orientation. We are working to reduce discrimination, hostility, and violence perpetrated against LGBT Jamaicans, and reducing the incidence of corrective sexual violence against lesbian and bisexual women. That is our mandate; regardless of who one is, the work ones does, the colour of one’s skin, who one worships, or who one loves. We believe in the idea of a wholly inclusive society; one that takes pride in its rich diversity, celebrates its differences, and upholds the principles of dignity, equality, and fairness and furthering the national vision of making Jamaica “the place of choice to live, work, raise . and do business”.

Dane Lewis

Executive Director

J-FLAG