Good evening,
I wish to thank you for inviting me to make this
presentation.
Honourable Attorney General and
Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, S.C; M.P(Neketa Forde Photo)
Kamala Kempadoo in her article Caribbean Sexuality –Mapping
the Field has said:
“Caribbean sexuality is both hyper visible and obscured.
That is, it is celebrated in popular culture as an important element in
Caribbean social life and flaunted to attract tourists to the region, yet it is
shrouded in double extender, secrecy and shame.”
Sexual orientation and by
extension lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights (LGBT) rights are
considered a sensitive topic for many people and many governments. The deeply
rooted religious and other cultural beliefs as well as accepted norm in the
Caribbean have contributed to a climate of intolerance.
These beliefs and views isolate some members of our society
and expose them to stigma and discrimination. However despite our differences
in views and beliefs there must be a standard that ensures and promotes
tolerance. As human International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia &
Biphobia let us focus on the similarities we share with each other’s, rather
than the differences.
The laws in the Commonwealth Caribbean that criminalize same
–sex intimacy are remnants of the regions colonial past. Zoe Mintz in her
article ,In the Caribbean:Anti-Sodomy Laws and Persecution, Being Gay is no
fun in the islands, explained that “Once slavery was abolished in countries
like Guyana and independence eventually gained – the rigorous British
infrastructure remained in place to ensure the freedom gained by revolution “wouldn’t fall at the seams”. The remnants that have remained have caused local
and international bodies to call for reform of our laws.
In addressing this issue, the Government wrote a letter to
the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) following the 161st
Ordinary Period of Sessions which addressed issues of human rights against
young persons in Guyana. The Government noted that the Guyanese people are to
decide in a referendum whether homosexuality should remain a criminal offence.
The Government believes that no person should be
discriminated on the basis of gender identity and sexual orientation, since
every citizen has equal access to all Guyana has to offer .This belief is
enshrined in our constitution which is the supreme law of the land .The
constitution provides by Article 145 that all members of society have a right to
freedom of conscience while Article 146 provides for the right of freedom of
expression. Article 149 protects our right against discrimination which
includes on the basis of sex or gender and Article 149D provided for equality
of enjoyment of all rights and freedom.
The Government believes that the principle of universality
admits no exception and that human rights are the birth right of all human
beings .We believes that the outright injustice, violence, discrimination and
marginalization are common form of intolerance .we must respect and appreciate
diverse cultures, forms of expression and way of being human. Tolerance
recognizes the universal human rights and fundamental freedom of others .The diversity of our cultures
and way of life is not a pretext for conflict, but is a treasure to enriches us
all.
Abdur Rafay Usmani, a correspondent from the Commonwealth
Youth Programme, stated in his article, ‘What can tolerance of or a nation’
that,‘Tolerance is not simply an attitude but is an essential
element for peace, unity and economic well-being of a nation or society. Where
everyone is treated equally and given equal opportunity, everyone is able to
effectively utilise their talents and resources to improve their living
standard.’
Adopting this view will help Guyana to continue to develop
as a nation. It will inherently result in a bigger middle class and reduced
poverty. Abdur Rafay Usmani explained that ‘in society where certain groups are
discriminated against, not only are they less able to contribute to the
economy, but also this leads to the build-up of ghettos and vulnerable
communities.’ Nations that practice discrimination are at a disadvantage, as
they risk losing enterprising individuals from victimized groups who tend to
move elsewhere.
Intolerance is very often rooted in ignorance and fear: fear
of the unknown, of the other, cultures, nations, religions. Tolerance allows
people of different backgrounds, religions and races to work and live together,
and this promotes unity. In a tolerant country, every citizen remains loyal to
his country and is willing to make sacrifices for the sake of the country. This
is the goal of our administration. We recognize that the people of a nation are
the foundation on which it is supported, and if there are fractures and faults
in the foundation, the nation becomes more vulnerable to collapse.
In conclusion as Guyanese we must foster a cultural shift.
This must begin with our social behaviour. Our language must change. We must
refrain from name calling and hate speech. Let us embrace the value of
acceptance and equality for everyone. Let us be our brother’s keeper. We must
document and expose allegations or reports of human rights violations based on
sexual orientation and gender identity promptly. They must be impartially
investigated and perpetrators held accountable and brought to justice. Hate
speech and condescending attitudes reduce tolerance for homosexuality and
encourage the unknown. They must be shunned and penalized. If we want change it
must begin with each of us.
Those who promote human rights have been and remain on the
right side of history and history honours them. We must promote inclusiveness:
recognize diversity and deepen the protection of fundamental human rights in
Guyana. Today I implore you to continue advocating for equality and justice for
all citizens, regardless of sexual orientation. Be on the right side of
history.
Thank you.
No comments:
Post a Comment