Jamaica's (un)official policy of state-sponsored homophobia continues this week as a member of parliament manages to insult both gays and the police force—claiming "homosexuals are violent" and should be denied firearms, and, the police force was "over run" with gays.
The bizarre rant was delivered this week during a parliamentary debate on new sex offenses legislation. Radio Jamaica reports South West St Ann MP Ernest Smith says he is "very concerned" that "abusive and violent homosexuals ... have overtaken this country."
"Homosexuals in Jamaica have become so brazen, they've formed themselves into organizations and are abusive, violent and something that the Ministry of National Security must look into is why is it that so many homosexuals are licensed firearm holders.
The MP also claimed that based on reports he had seen, that there are too many homosexuals in the police force.
"There was a report recently which has never been challenged that our security forces, particularly the Jamaican Constabulary Force, have been overrun by homosexuals ... there was a front page report in one of our daily newspapers, which has never been challenged," said Mr. Smith.
Predictably most of the outrage is in response to the claim about gays on the police force. The chairman of the Police Officers' Association (POA) tells The Gleaner that officers are "infuriated."
The Gleaner's coverage is much more balanced that Radio Jamaica's—the nation's largest newspaper is becoming more progressive on gay issues and calls for an end to sodomy laws—and reports "persons suspected of being gay "have been beaten, stoned and had their homes burnt." The Gleaner also publishes a response from the islands' only LGBT organization.
"This kind of stereotyping from a parliamentarian is inflammatory and highly irresponsible," says Jason McFarlane with the Jamaica Forum for Lesbians, All-sexuals and Gays (J-FLAG). McFarlane says he is concerned the comments will lead to more violence or a witch-hunt on the police forces and :could provide another justification for mindless mobs to attack gays and lesbians on suspicion that they contribute to the country's high level of crime and violence."
As reported extensively on Rod 2.0. the culture of the idyllic island nation of Jamaica is extremely hostile toward gays. Gays on the island could subjected to 10 years imprisonment if caught. Gays have been beaten, stabbed and shot in 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. On Valentine's Day 2007, several Jamaican gay men were attacked by a mob of thousands.
Thanks COLIN!
MP Says Cops are Gays [Radio JA]
Police Incensed Over Gay Slur [Gleaner]
Did You Read? ...
Jamaican Newspaper Criticizes Anti-Gay Laws [R20]
JA Gleaner Applauds Red Stripe's Stand on "Murder Music" [R20]
JA Gays Oppose Boycott Over "Murder Music" [R20]
Church: "Ludicrous" to Condemn Anti-Gay Violence [R20]
JA Gay Activist Attacked by Mob Seeks Asylum [R20]
JA Mob Attacks Two Gay Men [R20]
Angry Mob of 2,000 Jamaicans Attack Gays [R20]
Did Jamaican Cops "Rescue" Gays? [R20]
Bloodlust at UWI [R20]
"One Gay is Dead, What's the Difference?" [R20]
"Jamaica, Island of Hate" [R20]
Justice, Jamaican Style [R20]
Jamaican Newspaper Criticizes Anti-Gay Laws [R20]
"Gay Panic" Defense in Brutal Slaying [R20]
Who Killed Ambassador Peter King? [R20]
"Gay Panic" in Killing of Popular Priest [R20]
"Flaunting Sexual Preference May Incite Violence" [R20]
I once worked for a family-owned business. The owners were Jamaican through and through. The oldest son was the executive VP, a young, well-educated man, the first of his family to be born and raised in the US. I vividly recall a conversation we had, in which he flatly stated he would rather his newborn son grow up to be a drug dealer or bank robber--he "could live with that"--than a gay man. He further stated that if hbe ever discovered his children to be gay, they would become dead to him, for the shame they would bring to him and the rest of his family.
Needless to say, this just reinforced my thinking on why Jamaica is at the top of my "do not go there" list. Jamaica's record of "state-sponsored" homophobia is well settled, and continues to be an object example of what happens when homophobia and ignorance are permitted to saturate all areas of Jamaican social life.
It is at least uplifting to see that the Gleaner is adopting a more moderate stance. That takes journalistic courage, especially to grant J-FLAG page space. It's a silver lining in the cloud of hate that has hung over the island for decades.
Posted by: Nathan James | 13 February 2009 at 12:38
As as sad as it sounds, I almost don't care about Jamaica and its homophobia any more. It's become a tired subject, honestly, and they're not going to change anytime soon. Rastas and the like want to persist homosexuality is some recent trend (or evil) made by Western society and the White man to impose on the oppressed Black man. Their revolting ideologies and beliefs continue to feed that, same thing in Africa. What would happen if a sh*t hole religion like that reached Latin America in the Afro-Latino populations, I wonder, given the region's incredible murder rate LGBT folk.
Nathan James, the man you mentioned is a moron, a reject and anything else bad to describe his arrogance. Hope his son turns out to be a faggot so he can eat some crow.
Posted by: Kevin Perez | 13 February 2009 at 13:33
Oh to hell with it. Ignore my tirade, please. Bad day at school, so this is just some random venting. Sorry.
Posted by: Kevin Perez | 13 February 2009 at 13:34
My former boyfriend's family is Jamaican and I can tell you the homophobia is so deep, even here in Florida. One of his nephews was accused of being gay and the men in the family literally beat this boy senseless. He had a bloodied nose and lip. The poor boy transferred high schools, is playing football now and seeing girls ...
I am sure he is gay tho, poor kid.
Posted by: Xander | 13 February 2009 at 14:48
Kevin,
You first posting reminds me of me. Your second posting (with the apology) makes me think of someone much bigger and mature like you. You'll never let a bad day keep you down.
i still like the rant in the first posting though...heeheehee.
Posted by: Derrick from Philly | 13 February 2009 at 15:05
the rant is okay, sometimes you have to get it off your chest, lol
speak out kevin, do your thang!
Posted by: Tre | 13 February 2009 at 15:53
Even by Caribbean standards, Jamaica stands out. The problem is likely to be exacerbated by the size of the island, as that is the catalyst for many issues on my own home island of Saint Martin. Reports prove little to nothing, and corruption is clearly visible. Even worse is Jamaica's autonomy. Saint Martin is partially governed by the Netherlands and France respectively, but Jamaica, devoid of any external influence, has carte blanche to discriminate at will, I'm afraid.
Posted by: Orlando Haynes | 13 February 2009 at 16:42