Jamaica's Leading Newspaper Demands Equal Rights for Gays
A significant change of heart from the editorial pages of the Jamaica Gleaner, once known for publishing ridiculously homophobic stories such as "High School Girls Gone Gay." Apparently, the specter of last week's lynch mob of 2,000, anti-gay citizens was a bit much:
Such incidents are far less frequent than they used to be, but still happen even as the society, declared by some to be extreme in its homophobia, becomes more tolerant of alternative lifestyles. Our point is that they shouldn't happen at all; all victims of crime must be afforded equal protection under the law.
The editorial asks for legislators currently reviewing sodomy and rape statutes to do the right thing and end same-sex restrictions. "If adult and consenting males choose to engage in homosexual sex, that ought to be their business—no matter what the rest of us believe about their lifestyle or behaviour."
The State and the Rule of Law (Jamaica Gleaner)
Some Background ...
Rod
This is such heartening news and a big step for the Gleaner. I have had little time to post entries into my blog but I have been following these developments with much interest. Thanks so much for keeping your eye on the story.
Andres
Posted by: Andres Duque | 22 February 2007 at 19:47
Bold step for the Gleaner. I almost respect what they're doing. Almost.
Posted by: Jennifer | 23 February 2007 at 09:03
A-fuckin-men!
Definitely a step into the 21st century for the Gleaner paper.
But homophobia is hate. It's so easy to recognize when you see it.
Posted by: taylor Siluwé | 19 March 2007 at 15:32
This is great news.
Posted by: Mel Smith | 18 July 2007 at 23:39
Thanks guys for not forgetting us in Jamaica.We need all the support we can get, to overcome the hate in our country.
Posted by: Jaboy | 19 July 2007 at 10:51