Jamaican Observer Applauds Prime Minister's Anti-Gay Rant

Another week and another official endorsement of homophobia in Jamaica. This time it's on the editorial page of the Jamaica Observer, the island's second largest newspaper and a reliable source of anti-gay hysteria. The editors applaud Prime Minister Bruce Golding for his recent anti-gay rant to the BBC.

"Mr. Golding Got it Right," reads the headline, because "Jamaica is not going to allow values to be imposed on it from outside by lobby groups who wish to define for us how we must establish our own standards and morals."

It is our view that in this society people must be free to make choices so long as those choices do not infringe upon the rights of others and are not being forced upon the populace to accept.

In that regard, we condemn those instances when men accused of being gay have been beaten by Jamaicans who, for the most part, regard homosexuality as sinful and repulsive.

However, as we have said before in this space, gay men in particular need to be more circumspect in their public behaviour, especially given that they are not unaware of how Jamaicans in general view their lifestyle.

We suspect that the strong push by gay lobbyists, both here and mostly from abroad, to force acceptance of their lifestyle upon Jamaicans has had the reverse effect of creating even more anti-homosexual sentiments in the country.

The warning against gay men "flaunting their wares in public" is becoming a talking point from the Jamaican government and media. Last spring, Public Defender Earl Witter began publicly warning gays to keep their sexuality "out of sight" or risk violence.

Speaking of anti-gay violence, the Jamaica Observer editorial also parrots another stereotype, claiming "while the gay lobby doesn't like to hear this, available evidence suggests that in many cases when homosexuals are murdered in Jamaica, the act is committed by one of their own, often out of jealousy." No. Available evidence suggests many gay men are killed by mob violence. In February 2008, a mob of up to 20 men attacked the home of four gay men in Mandeville—three were seriously injured and one was killed. In February 2007, several Jamaican gay men were attacked by a mob of thousands.

Mr Golding got it right [JA Observer]

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Comments

[Mel Smith]

Values??? Now, everybody has seen what the 'values' argument has done for women in conservative Islamic societies, Jews in Nazi Germany, Indians under the Caste System, and blacks in southern states during the civil rights movement. So just because being bigoted and anti gay represent your 'values,' does not mean your 'values' are right!!! 'Values' is a terrible word to use, especially when stepping on people right to exist, especially when you honestly believe God represent your values. My values might make me hate someone because of their ethnicity, and I can honestly think God approves(see how some Hutu's believe that God supported the killing of Tutsi's in Rwanda!!!) my values. But, prejudice blinds me of my common sense to believe that God would approve of my stepping on somebody's else's rights. How sick and evil we become when we invoke God's name in treating a group of people like second class citizens.

[Mel Smith]

Also, I never thought I would type this, but, EVERYBODY needs to BOYCOTT Jamaica! In order to destroy the majority of the people's demonic and savage 'values' argument that persecutes gays and lesbians in the name of an oppressive and evil version of Christianity, boycott Jamaica now!!! Let's see how fast they use the 'values' argument when they not eating!!!

[Me]

It's like we have all said for months on this issue. Don't spend your hard earned money there. Let them have it. It's never going to change. And having dated one, you'll be hard pressed to find one who's out of the closet, happy, and well-adjusted, even here in the states. Next.

[DFS]

Me

I lived in NYC and know exactly what you are talking about

[mjolnir202]

I'm so sick of Jamaica. I was born there, but I'm so damn tired of Jamaica and it's insane, medieval homophobia. 'Values' Ha!! Please!! Jamaica has one of the highest murder rates in the world for a country not at war. Looks like those good Christian values doesn't include 'Thou shalt not kill'. I think Jamaica desperately needs to change it's values.

[Shabaka]

I couldn't have said it better, MEL. Being a "Tutsi" my self, I, all too well, know what "Godly" intentions/values can lead to.

And ME, although I agree that our hard earned $$$ should be spent in more deserving places, some Jamaicans are fantastic. I can attest to that, having dated two myself. But yeah I get your point.

I hope Rod doesn't mind but when y'all get a chance, check out this article about homosexuality in Rwanda that I stumbled upon a few days ago. The ignorance and homophobia in it? Just wow!

http://www.newtimes.co.rw/index.php?issue=13467&article
=4809

[BroKeSSniGGa]

Yes boys and girls it's time to BOYCOTT JAMAICA NOW,Mon!! The country makes most of it's money from the tourist and hospitality industries. I say hit them where it hurts -in the pocketbook! I also encourage you to send letters to Amnesty International and other such orgs to bring attention to this outrage and embarrass them into cleaning up their act!