Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Shots from Quality Citizenship Jamaica's peaceful stand in Kingston
September 10, 2013 Quality Citizenship Jamaica had an outdoor silent protest nearing Devon House in the midst of a near downpour as a tropical wave passed over the island, below are some scenes I selected from the stand with the founders Angeline Jackson and Jalna Broderick up front and centre. Thankfully lesbian invisibility/omission in the struggle is now a thing of the past. Women for Women for Women also need to "tun up di ting"
Apologies to Queen Ifrica from Blakka Ellis on the Independence Day Issue
Yeah, the big man from Flames Productions and visionary behind the wholesome, conscious and successful 'Rebel Salute' series called me, personally, so you know say me important!
Of course, I never got to big him up and tell him that he's one of my all-time favourite artistes, and all of those nice things, because it wasn't that kind of call. Rebel actually called to challenge me on the position I took in the article and we had a long reasoning about it.
I love talking to intelligent people. Yeah, man, because although neither of us budged from our basic positions, we were able to articulate and clarify our respective points of view, respectfully challenge each other and politely agree to disagree.
Differing opinions aside though, a key point of contention for Queen Ifrica and Tony Rebel was a statement I had made in the article about what I actually heard on the night. I quoted Queen Ifrica saying four specific words, because those were the words I thought I heard. Rebel insists, however, that my assertion is factually erroneous and she did not utter those words. Naturally, he also wanted a retraction.
Now, based on my respect for the man, and considering the passionate nature of his insistence, I began to seriously wonder, there and then, if perhaps I did hear wrong.
But mi nah lie, I'm kinda stubborn, and mi couldn't just capitulate and run go apologise without verifying the thing. So I told Rebel that I'd try to get a copy of video footage from the event and watch it again.
I promised that if I found that he's correct, I would make the appropriate correction the following week.
Well people, I really tried and tried, but got nowhere with obtaining the precious footage. Red tape choke mi till mi get blacker and blue!
I called around and asked about nine people who were either at the Grand Gala or watched it on TV, and nobody could unequivocally substantiate my recollection of what I thought I heard.
The week came and went. Braps, Roger Clarke 'daggered' his way into the spotlight and became the topic of my comments last week.
So, the relentless Rebel reached me again with the following text: "Greetings, Mr Ellis, I notice you did not correct your error that you made in last week's column about Queen Ifrica. We can overstand that the 'Rogernization' of the social media captured your mind, but we anticipate the correction from you. An error that is not corrected will end up as a fact and we don't want that. Bless. Rebel."
Mr Rebel is right, don't it? Yeah man, I'm now duty bound to do the right thing. So, folks, while I stand by my substantive argument against the public 'othering' of fellow Jamaicans based on sexuality, and while I insist that the Grand Gala stage was an inappropriate forum to introduce or ventilate an issue around which our people are passionately and violently divided, I must now concede that I also erred.
My assertion in the fifth paragraph of my column of August 28 that, "I'm sure I heard her say 'no gays 'round here' on the big stage at the National Stadium", was an error. I can find no evidence that Queen Ifrica actually spoke those words and I hereby, categorically, withdraw and retract my comments to that effect.
I also apologize sincerely to Queen Ifrica for inadvertently publicising an error.
box-mi-back@hotmail.com
ENDS
In the meantime here is my podcast on my thoughts on the handling of the matter by the advocates:
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
European Parliament says all international couples should enjoy the same property rights
Today the European Parliament adopted two resolutions to simplify legal procedures for international couples in the event of divorce or death. The texts include provisions for equal treatment between spouses and registered partners.
Last year the European Commission proposed two new EU regulations to simplify sharing and dividing couples’ property, including real estate and financial assets, when they move between EU Member States.
Under the Commission’s proposals, spouses would have been allowed to choose which national law applies when dividing their property, whilst registered partners would have been forced to use the law under which they registered.
The Fundamental Rights Agency had said in an opinion the discrepancy was discriminatory and unfounded.
In two resolutions adopted today with an overwhelming majority, the European Parliament suggested changes to make sure the same choices were available in both situations.
Under these changes, registered partners would be allowed to choose their applicable law, as long as registered partnerships existed under that law. The texts also reassure Member States that national marriage and family laws won’t be affected.
Alexandra Thein MEP, Rapporteur for the two resolutions and member of the LGBT Intergroup, commented: “This sends a very important signal: married couples and registered partners, regardless of their gender, must be able to enjoy the same freedom of movement across the European Union.”
“I’m glad the European Commission finally agreed with Parliament and with the Fundamental Rights Agency that registered partners too could choose their applicable law.”
Michael Cashman and Evelyne Gebhardt MEPs, Rapporteurs for the opinions in the Civil Liberties committee, added: “The Civil Liberties Committee had made a point that all couples should enjoy the same rights. We now hope the Council will listen to Parliament’s requests.”
Under the consultation procedure, today’s resolutions are the Parliament’s opinion. Member States are now responsible for adopting the binding legislation in the Council of the European Union.
Under the Commission’s proposals, spouses would have been allowed to choose which national law applies when dividing their property, whilst registered partners would have been forced to use the law under which they registered.
The Fundamental Rights Agency had said in an opinion the discrepancy was discriminatory and unfounded.
In two resolutions adopted today with an overwhelming majority, the European Parliament suggested changes to make sure the same choices were available in both situations.
Under these changes, registered partners would be allowed to choose their applicable law, as long as registered partnerships existed under that law. The texts also reassure Member States that national marriage and family laws won’t be affected.
Alexandra Thein MEP, Rapporteur for the two resolutions and member of the LGBT Intergroup, commented: “This sends a very important signal: married couples and registered partners, regardless of their gender, must be able to enjoy the same freedom of movement across the European Union.”
“I’m glad the European Commission finally agreed with Parliament and with the Fundamental Rights Agency that registered partners too could choose their applicable law.”
Michael Cashman and Evelyne Gebhardt MEPs, Rapporteurs for the opinions in the Civil Liberties committee, added: “The Civil Liberties Committee had made a point that all couples should enjoy the same rights. We now hope the Council will listen to Parliament’s requests.”
Under the consultation procedure, today’s resolutions are the Parliament’s opinion. Member States are now responsible for adopting the binding legislation in the Council of the European Union.
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Local Gays Getting Comfortable ... But Church Stands Resolute Against Homosexuality (Gleaner)
The lateness of the Gleaner these days is disturbing but be that as it may this came in the paper today:
Karrie Williams, Gleaner Writer
Despite the reputation Jamaica has developed among gay-rights advocates as a country that is intolerant to homosexuality, the Jamaica Forum for Lesbians, All-Sexuals and Gays (JFLAG) is of the view that more gays are coming out of the proverbial closet.
"More people are feeling much more comfortable to come out and claim their true identity, particularly young people," Dane Lewis, executive director of JFLAG, told The Gleaner earlier this week.
While Lewis wants to make it clear that JFLAG is not a membership organisation, he said based on the accepted international measurement, which has gays ranging between five and 12 per cent of the population, he is estimating that five per cent (135,000) of Jamaica's population - which was listed by the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN) in 2012 as 2,711,476 persons - is gay.
"There is no system of measurement of one's sexual orientation," said Lewis. "The international standard of measurement used is between three to 12 per cent of the population, but we would estimate that in Jamaica it is a moderate five per cent."
The Church, which is opposed to homosexuality on moral and ethical grounds, remains unhappy with the traction the movement appears to be getting in Jamaica.
The Reverend Dr Sonia Seiv-wright, of Bounty Hall New Testament Church of God, said the rapid increase in the local homosexual population could be linked to greed, especially in the case of the young men who have been gravitating towards the movement.
"I think they are increasing and I am concerned for our young men. I believe that our young men feel that if they get involved in certain things they will be more successful financially," said Seivwright. "Maybe they are putting themselves with people who are financially stable, and so they are drawn into this lifestyle because they are told they can be helped or they can be taken out of the economic state they are in."
Like the vast majority of Jamaican church leaders, Seivwright is staunchly opposed to homosexuality on moral and ethical grounds, and thinks the nation stands to lose if the practice continues to grow.
Biblical stance
"The Bible clearly speaks against it (homosexuality) and God also destroyed a nation for practising homosexuality; therefore, if it is not biblical, then it is not right," said Seivwright. "I think they all should come out of the closet, as we need to know who they are. I have a son and I don't want my boy to become mixed up with them."
Because of her anti-gay stance, Seivwright is taking issue with the call by some gay advocates that they should be given more rights in Jamaica.
"I don't see where homosexuals should have any rights," Seivwright toldThe Gleaner.
However, anxious to generate legitimacy for his group, Lewis is calling for more tolerance for members of the gay community.
"We do see an increased level of tolerance being displayed but we are also seeing that the violations continue; so one can't necessarily sit back and say that we are enjoying a better life as a community, despite there not being any legal recognition," said Lewis. "There are still members of the community that are still being violated, harassed, threatened, as we see happen the other day in the case of Dwayne Jones."
Jones was the cross-dresser who was murdered by patrons at a dance in Montego Bay, St James, after they realised he was not a woman.
Under the Jamaican Constitution, men who have sex with men can be brought before the court for prosecution but there are no penalties for lesbians. Section 76 of the Offences Against the Person Act states:
"Whosoever shall be convicted of the abominable crime of buggery, committed either with mankind or with any animal, shall be liable to be imprisoned and kept to hard labour for a term not exceeding 10 years."
The election campaign promise made by Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller that, if elected, her Government would review the buggery law, is also being frowned upon by some members of the society.
"They have been empowered by the prime minister's pronouncement to review the buggery law, so as a result, they have become braver in their attempt to enter mainstream society, and now it's the heterosexuals who are running scared," said Pauline Clarke. "In addition, we are being constantly pressured by gay-rights activists both here at home and abroad, but we just want them to know that there is no room for that sort of nefarious lifestyle in Jamaica."
The health authorities are also expressing concern about the gay lifestyle as it relates to the spread of HIV/AIDS.
According to the 2010 report of the National HIV Programme, one out of every three men who have sex with men are HIV-positive.
"The prevalence values recorded in vulnerable populations were higher with men who have sex with men, having a 31.8 per cent rate," the report stated
Earlier this year, Lenworth Anglin, the executive director of the Church of God in Jamaica, created a firestorm when he declared that the Church would never bow in its opposition to homosexuality.
"Let those who want to get offended get offended. Let those who want to oppose oppose," said Anglin. "I stand to declare, based on evidence, evidence in scripture, evidence backed by history. No negotiation. If you standing up for God, stand up for God."
karrie.williams@gleanerjm.com
Karrie Williams, Gleaner Writer
Despite the reputation Jamaica has developed among gay-rights advocates as a country that is intolerant to homosexuality, the Jamaica Forum for Lesbians, All-Sexuals and Gays (JFLAG) is of the view that more gays are coming out of the proverbial closet.
"More people are feeling much more comfortable to come out and claim their true identity, particularly young people," Dane Lewis, executive director of JFLAG, told The Gleaner earlier this week.
While Lewis wants to make it clear that JFLAG is not a membership organisation, he said based on the accepted international measurement, which has gays ranging between five and 12 per cent of the population, he is estimating that five per cent (135,000) of Jamaica's population - which was listed by the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN) in 2012 as 2,711,476 persons - is gay.
"There is no system of measurement of one's sexual orientation," said Lewis. "The international standard of measurement used is between three to 12 per cent of the population, but we would estimate that in Jamaica it is a moderate five per cent."
The Church, which is opposed to homosexuality on moral and ethical grounds, remains unhappy with the traction the movement appears to be getting in Jamaica.
The Reverend Dr Sonia Seiv-wright, of Bounty Hall New Testament Church of God, said the rapid increase in the local homosexual population could be linked to greed, especially in the case of the young men who have been gravitating towards the movement.
"I think they are increasing and I am concerned for our young men. I believe that our young men feel that if they get involved in certain things they will be more successful financially," said Seivwright. "Maybe they are putting themselves with people who are financially stable, and so they are drawn into this lifestyle because they are told they can be helped or they can be taken out of the economic state they are in."
Like the vast majority of Jamaican church leaders, Seivwright is staunchly opposed to homosexuality on moral and ethical grounds, and thinks the nation stands to lose if the practice continues to grow.
Biblical stance
"The Bible clearly speaks against it (homosexuality) and God also destroyed a nation for practising homosexuality; therefore, if it is not biblical, then it is not right," said Seivwright. "I think they all should come out of the closet, as we need to know who they are. I have a son and I don't want my boy to become mixed up with them."
Because of her anti-gay stance, Seivwright is taking issue with the call by some gay advocates that they should be given more rights in Jamaica.
"I don't see where homosexuals should have any rights," Seivwright toldThe Gleaner.
However, anxious to generate legitimacy for his group, Lewis is calling for more tolerance for members of the gay community.
"We do see an increased level of tolerance being displayed but we are also seeing that the violations continue; so one can't necessarily sit back and say that we are enjoying a better life as a community, despite there not being any legal recognition," said Lewis. "There are still members of the community that are still being violated, harassed, threatened, as we see happen the other day in the case of Dwayne Jones."
Jones was the cross-dresser who was murdered by patrons at a dance in Montego Bay, St James, after they realised he was not a woman.
Under the Jamaican Constitution, men who have sex with men can be brought before the court for prosecution but there are no penalties for lesbians. Section 76 of the Offences Against the Person Act states:
"Whosoever shall be convicted of the abominable crime of buggery, committed either with mankind or with any animal, shall be liable to be imprisoned and kept to hard labour for a term not exceeding 10 years."
The election campaign promise made by Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller that, if elected, her Government would review the buggery law, is also being frowned upon by some members of the society.
"They have been empowered by the prime minister's pronouncement to review the buggery law, so as a result, they have become braver in their attempt to enter mainstream society, and now it's the heterosexuals who are running scared," said Pauline Clarke. "In addition, we are being constantly pressured by gay-rights activists both here at home and abroad, but we just want them to know that there is no room for that sort of nefarious lifestyle in Jamaica."
The health authorities are also expressing concern about the gay lifestyle as it relates to the spread of HIV/AIDS.
According to the 2010 report of the National HIV Programme, one out of every three men who have sex with men are HIV-positive.
"The prevalence values recorded in vulnerable populations were higher with men who have sex with men, having a 31.8 per cent rate," the report stated
Earlier this year, Lenworth Anglin, the executive director of the Church of God in Jamaica, created a firestorm when he declared that the Church would never bow in its opposition to homosexuality.
"Let those who want to get offended get offended. Let those who want to oppose oppose," said Anglin. "I stand to declare, based on evidence, evidence in scripture, evidence backed by history. No negotiation. If you standing up for God, stand up for God."
karrie.williams@gleanerjm.com