Int'l gay press claims PNP has two homosexual candidates

A website dedicated to news affecting the gay community around the world is suggesting that the Opposition People's National Party (PNP) has at least two gay candidates contesting the upcoming election and one of them is being targeted by the governing Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) in a homophobic campaign.

The website, Gaystarnews.com, has also highlighted PNP president Portia Simpson Miller's promise to review the Buggery Act and not to discriminate against homosexuals in appointing her Cabinet as "positive".

In a story headlined 'Jamaican Opposition leader backs gay rights' by Tris Reid-Smith, Gaystarnews.com reported that "the Jamaican Opposition leader has come out in favour of LGBT rights and reviewing the anti-gay buggery law during an election debate".

LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) is a term which better defines what is usually called the gay community.

The story claims that the "PNP has selected a non-gender conforming candidate who has been the subject of a barely veiled homophobic campaign" by the JLP.

It said "Jamaican LGBT rights group J-FLAG has written to the JLP complaining about this tactic".

In a response yesterday, PNP campaign spokesman Delano Franklyn said the party does not concern itself with what happens in persons' bedrooms in selecting its candidates.

"We wish to condemn and deplore any scurrilous attacks against any of our candidates based on what is unfounded in relation to them offering themselves as candidates of the PNP," Franklyn told the Observer.

"The PNP, in determining its representatives in the different constituencies, does so on the basis of their experience, knowledge and commitment, which they bring to the political process, and the loyalty and dedication they have shown in contributing to the growth and development of Jamaica. The party does not seek to investigate the personal lives of candidates in relation to what they do or do not do in their bedrooms," he said.

Simpson Miller's comments made in Tuesday's national leadership debate with Prime Minister Andrew Holness also forced the PNP to issue a news release yesterday seeking to clarify that she promised to review — not repeal — the Buggery Act which makes gay sex illegal.

According to the website, "Simpson Miller said no one should be discriminated against because of their sexual orientation, and that she would have no problem appointing gays to her Cabinet if they were able to do the job."

The website also reported that "she pledged to give politicians a free vote on removing the anti-gay buggery law from the statute books if elected prime minister".

The website also noted the "different stance" taken by Holness.

"Holness went on to again imply that he would not support gay rights — at least until the majority were in favour of them."

It quoted the prime minister's statement in the debate that his "sentiments reflect the sentiments of the country".

Gaystarnews.com describes itself as the first global 24-7 news site with the latest LGBT news, entertainment, information and lifestyle content.

It says it is owned by a company backed by international investment, with full-time journalists around the world covering stories affecting the LGBT community.

Yesterday's release from the PNP stated that Simpson Miller would allow members of Parliament a conscience vote on the issue, and such a vote would take into consideration the views of constituents.

"The PNP president remains committed to her pledge to make appointments to a Cabinet led by her on the basis of competence", the release stated.

Franklyn, in the meantime, said that when the Buggery Act is being reviewed MPs would be free to exercise their conscience in voting as to whether the Act should remain, be amended or repealed.

also see from Gay Jamaica Watch PNP Wins ................Hope for LGBT People ???

‘Idiot plan that!’ - Many Jamaicans against Buggery Law review ...............

As reactions continue to come from all quarters on the answer given to the question of the Not in My Cabinet stance taken by former Prime Minister Bruce Golding during the leadership debate on elections opposition leader Mrs Portia Simpson Miller who expressed her disagreement with the stance is coming under flack for taking the high road for some and declaring her opinion she wants to have the buggery law reviewed leading to a conscience vote in parliament. Her political capital seems to be depleting on the face of it. We saw where the church and or the religious right movement has already responded, a leading anti gay pastor and restorative advocate has said,

“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: 

On Buggery & Gays in Cabinets ......... 21.12.11 

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: 

Jamaica lost the debate!

" ........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

"Tell Me Pastor" on Bisexual swinger & switch hitting ll.......

The latest entry in the Star News Tell Me Pastor series looks at a bizarre case of a young lady (the letter writer) who found out her male hubby was a switch hitter in a sense and wanted more than just a passing fancy with both sexes while including here in the mix. 

Couple Swinging is also a feature here and there have been talk of it becoming more pronounced here in Jamaica but usually with ground rules of the extent of sexual contact and certainly not with the crossing of the sexes in as far as the accounts of the oral histories told to me.

First please see the letter from the tabloid:

My boyfriend is swinging both ways 

Dear Pastor,

First of all let me tell you what a great job you are doing. Please keep up the good work. I do not know what to do. I am a 25-year-old. I left high school with honours and went to a local university. But despite pressure from my father to do medicine, I chose to study finance. I think I live an ok lifestyle here in Kingston.

The problem is, I have had a boyfriend for the past five years. He is a really nice guy. He parties a lot and attends all the major parties in Kingston and Negril. Recently, he went to a well-known club in Kingston and met some 'new friends', both males and females. They live in Kingston as well.

They invited him to a private party not far from where I live. I decided not to be "nuff" and allowed him to go alone. A few days after, he started asking me to have these new friends (three girls and two guys) to join us in bed during sex. I allowed it once for the 'fun of it'. During that one instance, he forced me into having sex with the girls that came. While these girls were pleasuring me, I noticed one of the males passionately caressing his body and the other performing oral sex on him. I was too drunk during the session to intervene, so I let it pass.

I made mention of it to him recently and he got upset. He said that if I ever mention it to anyone else, he would kill my sister and me. He is one of those 'garrison yutes' and he said if anyone found out, he would have to leave his area as well as Jamaica.

I do not know what to do. My sister is a counsellor and she is the only one who knows about the incident. He keeps telling me he wants us to do it again, this time with only the guys. I have no choice but to believe that he is now gay. I cannot leave him, as I am afraid of what he will do to me, as he has showed me his gun before as a threat. I need help.

M.

Pastor's response 

Dear M.,

I suggest that you leave this man forthwith. And you need not be scared about his threats. You have been fortunate to have a good education, but you have associated yourself with a man who has no class. He is not a good man. A good man will not force his woman (and my emphasis is on force) to have sex with his friends, both males and females. You made a big mistake in agreeing to participate in such sex party. These people used liquor to break down your inhibition so that they could have had their way with you. You should not do so again regardless what your so-called boyfriend says. And you should report him to the police without fear.

You claim that he has a gun and that he is a 'ghetto yute'. There are many 'ghetto yutes' who repudiate any form of homosexual practice, and that is why he does not want people in his area to know what he has become. Be strong. Don't allow this man to intimidate you. Don't give him the impression that you are afraid of him.

Pastor

ENDS

Clearly the hint to the man being a ghetto yute touches on down low thug culture that is fast becoming public knowledge but with a disdain added to it. The dangers as well of this kind of swapping and or swinging under the influence of alcohol is indeed dangerous that I will agree with and will impair ones judgement but the controversial issue of trust in relationships be they mixed or heterosexual is an underlying factor as well. Most persons would rather be told of their partner's choice than to find out later through some indiscretion or accident. If the letter writer never volunteered she may not have known so the knowledge may not be so much of a curse for her as she can take the needed precautions including condom use if she agreed to continue meeting his requests or demands as they  become more as instructions under duress, they she may not be able to negotiate condom use. 

I am not sure about the reporting of the police section as suggested to the letter writer as thug type same gender sex engagers do not like their issues exposed in any way shape or form and are ruthless in going to great lengths to keep them so secret.

Certainly the gay community has expressed deep mistrust when it comes to bisexuals as they are deemed incapable of being faithful to a single partner by virtue of their wide tastes in both genders.

Coincidental that her sister however happens to be a counselor but still this letters reaches Pastor Dumas and is published, group sex is not uncommon across Jamaica in regards to the second wish with the other parties being all male by the her male switch hitter but the matter of consent here is crucial. The first instance according to the letter writer was done at her own recognizance but certainly she should have expected the request would have come again after noticing the intimacy between himself and the other male. The red flag should have been raised from there. Why didn't she object from the get go? 

Why stay with him then? is it the usually dependency issue that many women face as these men support them financially so they remain to continue gaining benefits?  

also see: Lady Switch Hitters & the Boyfriends who complain … for an opposite take on switch hitting.

There have been a few other instances that have come to public attention of this nature but is not spoken of openly, I strongly suggest that bisexual issues and behavioural bisexuality also be added to the slew of subjects towards LGBT advocacy and rights as there are cross cutting issues that cannot go unnoticed or swept under the rug.

Walk good

Peace & tolerance

H