“That is very concerning for me [reviewing the buggery law] and I am disappointed that we are still insisting to go back in that direction, because the matter was dealt with in the amended Bill of Rights earlier this year,” said Rev Al Miller, pastor of the Fellowship Tabernacle in Kingston.
Miller said he was equally disappointed with the Opposition Leader’s stance that she had no problem admitting anyone to her Cabinet once they were qualified to carry out their duties.
“I am seriously concerned about that, because it is saying that moral values becomes secondary to ability to perform,” the pastor said, adding: “That kind of approach would be difficult for Christians to support because character and integrity takes precedence over ability.”
The PNP has since released a statement on their site:
PNP HAS GIVEN NO COMMITMENT TO REPEALING THE BUGGERY ACT
Kingston, December 22, 2011:
The People’s National Party notes that following Tuesday’s leadership debate, some persons have been suggesting that PNP President Portia Simpson Miller, has given a commitment to “repealing” the Buggery Act. The PNP uses this opportunity to state clearly that Mrs. Simpson Miller gave no such commitment.
The PNP President said it was time that the Act be “reviewed” and all members of the House of Representatives provided with an opportunity to vote on the matter based on their conscience.
It would be expected that in such a vote, Members of Parliament on both sides of the House, would take into consideration the views of their constituents.The PNP President remains committed to her pledge to make appointments to a Cabinet led by her on the basis of competence.
Here comes some more reactions via the Jamaica Observer and the cartoon by Clovis seen below
THE pronouncement by Opposition Leader and People’s National Party (PNP) President Portia Simpson Miller during Tuesday night’s national leadership debate that a PNP government led by her would review the buggery law has set off a heated debate with many Jamaicans as well as some churches voicing strong opposition to any such move.
Observer staff reporter Kimmo Matthews yesterday sought the opinions of members of the public on Simpson Miller’s position.
‘Rastaman’
It is something that I would have to go think about, as I do not want to jump to any conclusion on what was said.
Judith Brown White: Supermarket Sales Rep
I have a problem with that decision. To carry out such a review is totally wrong. What it is promoting is totally against the teachings of the Bible.
Chevan Brown
I think it was a ploy to get votes.
Delroy Mitchell
It has been happening, not here in Jamaica only, and soon or later we are going to have to take a stance. I believe that the rights of citizens should be recognised.
Devon Campbell: Taxi Operator
Not in my cabinet! If a man a deal with him thing, mek him deal with it one side. So that means sooner or later, with this review of the law, my grandchildren can’t walk in peace.
Hubert Palmer: Security guard
We are to stop trying to put a pretty coating on the issue. That sort of practice should not be tolerated. What sort of message will that send to my little son down the road?
Chairmaine Mundle: Supermarket Sales Rep
That should never be allowed to happen. God has never created people to operate and entertain that sort of practice. Our country has a strong Christian faith and belief and that sort of practice should not be encouraged and that is what such a planned review will do.
‘Businesswoman’
Our source is God. Why are we trying to sell our souls for the almighty dollar? Jamaica is not a country that embraces that sort of practice. She is out of her cotton-picking mind and she should not sell her soul for the dollar.
Ian
It is full time we should try to move away from that sort of primitive approach and allow people to live their lives despite of their sexual orientation.
Richardo Wedderburn: Security Guard
She should have tried to come up with some different approach. I know because she is a woman she a go try balance the thing. But I believe a revision of such laws is going to affect us down the road.
Jonelle Jefferson: Secretary
I do not care what a man or woman wants to do with their life, but the Opposition needs to realise that it is Jamaica we are living in and we are not going to change our views and I think it is going to hurt her chances in the upcoming election.
Orlando Gayle: Security Guard
That is totally unacceptable. Such practice and support of such practice cannot be right at all. We burn that sort of practice. Her move or plans to review the law will certainly help to promote such practice.
Toney Bromwell: Taxi Operator
Idiot plan that. Jamaica no deal with that. A vote me feel she a look.
ENDS
Also see:
Church angry, gays happy PNP on collision course with Christians ………………. but some of us are not impressed
and
On Buggery and gays in cabinets with politics ............ some responses ............
also here is the video from the leadership debate:
Also listen to a quick audio commentary I did on the issue recently:
Convener of Families Against State Terrorism (FAST) has written to the Gleaner's Editor: Impressed With Portia
Of note is the transforming Leighton Levy of the Star News who has been presenting more balanced writings on LGBT issues which is a last refresher on that tabloid's list, check out his latest offering here:
Peace and tolerance
H
Of note is the transforming Leighton Levy of the Star News who has been presenting more balanced writings on LGBT issues which is a last refresher on that tabloid's list, check out his latest offering here:
" ........You want to know why we are going to hell in a hand-basket if we don't act soon? In a time when Jamaica faces significant financial issues that require brave and creative solutions, during a debate - the worst of the three - between the leaders of the respective parties Tuesday night, the big news coming out of the debate is whether either leader would employ a homosexual person to the Cabinet.
If I was asked that question during a debate about important issues, I would simply respond: 'First of all, how does one tell who is a homosexual and second, what difference does it make?' I find it extremely disturbing that neither individual found it necessary to rise above the fray and demonstrate the kind of leadership that Jamaica so desperately needs. In the grand scheme of things, are homosexuals the cause of Jamaica's problems and is ensuring that they are not in the Cabinet a guarantee that this country will find itself on a path to rapid recovery and success? It's kind of like waking up to find your house on fire and wasting time deciding what to wear before you flee the house.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness was disappointing in that he waffled in his response that really said nothing, one way or the other."
Peace and tolerance
H
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