By SANCHESKA BROWN
Tribune Staff Reporter
sbrown@tribunemedia.net
HUMAN RIGHTS Activist Erin Greene yesterday called for a provision to be added to the constitution that protects individuals from being discriminated against based on their “sexual orientation”.
Ms Green made her comments to the Constitution committee at the British Colonial Hilton. She said it is “vital” that the category of sexual orientation be included in article 15 of the constitution.
The article currently states everyone in the Bahamas is entitled to the fundamental rights and freedoms regardless of race, place of origin, political opinions, colour, creed or sex.
Ms Green said although in her opinion the current law does provide redress for members of the Lesbian, Gay and Transgender community, protection is still necessary if we want the nation’s opinion towards homosexuality to begin to change.
“The inclusion of this category may not automatically result in behaviour modification,” she said, “but it will create an environment in which behaviour is more likely to change. When we look at the constitution and its function as the guidelines by which we citizens live and it assesses how we can and cannot treat each other, so then inclusion of the category will provide for Bahamians the framework in which they are supposed to do their jobs. It will not change behaviour overnight, but if a member of the civil service or a member of the force is clearly aware that he cannot allow his personal opinion about sexual orientation to impede his work, then he will begin to modify his behaviour.”
As for same sex marriage, Ms Greene also said the state has an obligation to its citizens to provide equality across the board, regardless of the opinions of “special interest groups”, such as the church.
“Marriage in this jurisdiction exits in two spaces. There is the religious sacrament of marriage that operates within churches and then there is the state institution of marriage which is essentially a contract between the state and two individuals wanting to live together. I think that these two institutions are essentially different,” she said.
“I think that the state has an obligation to its citizens that is different than the church’s obligation to its parishioners. I also think that it is important to know that the church in this jurisdiction is a non-governmental institution, it is a special interest group and so while members of the religious community, within their rights, are expressing a desire for the state institution to be defined according to their laws, the state has an obligation to communicate to the church that these two institutions are separate and distinct and the state has a different obligation to its citizens than the church has to its parishioners.
“The state has an obligation to me to ensure that as a citizen I have equitable access to the benefits that it offers. So if the state is offering special benefits to married people then it should not prevent me from getting married because I have a right to share in that benefit if I want to.”
When asked why no gay or lesbian couple has attempted to challenge the law and get married in the Bahamas, Ms Greene said many gay and lesbian people are still “extremely fearful” of being visible for fear of discrimination or worse being harmed. In fact, Ms Green said over the past 10 to 20 years, she has received reports that hundreds of gay men have gone missing and their families do not know if they fled the country to a safer jurisdiction or if they were killed.
Another reason, she said, was that members of the community did not want to get married for the sake of challenging the law as they respect the sanctity of marriage.
“We felt if we tested the courts on this issue even if it had to go all the way to the Privy Council that we may get a successful result but we determined that we do not want to test the courts to just test the courts. None of the members of the organization were going to get married just to test the law and we did not want to support what may have turned out to be an inauthentic attempt . A large section of our community believes in the sanctity of marriage, they believe in the church, they do not want to create a problem with the church and we felt like we would not engage the issue just to engage it, but if a couple came to us and sincerely wanted to get married then we would assist them with that.”
Comments
242 11 years, 1 month ago
that ain da dude from meet the browns?
CookieCutter 11 years, 1 month ago
I can appreciate her need to seem 'individualistic' in a sense, but I could not appreciate this lady's physical dress and overall presentation when playing an important role in this historical event.
Yes I understand that this is not a fashion show, but it seems that it played on the overall message. She seems to be an articulate person but her physical appearance took away from her message. Plainly speaking, I think she dropped the ball in this one....
I know that we have a sector of our society considers themselves gay, trans-gendered, MSM, etc., but there seems to be a lack of centralised activity and strong leadership for this group, perhaps another individual to readdress gay marriage issue in a more revered manner would go a bit further than it has. This group needs more freedom fighters who are not hiding in the closet.
ktsears 11 years, 1 month ago
So because you don't find her fashion appealing what she says doesn't matter? You say you want people to come out of the closet but you unfairly criticize those who are out and trying to make a difference. Try to listen and understand her arguments instead of focusing on her appearance. Be the ally you seem to recognize LGBTQ Bahamians need.
ceemoss 11 years, 1 month ago
The Church is a special interest group? Really? Hummm and you say most gays respect the sanctity of marriage. So what is it? You cannot have your cake and eat it too! Same sex marriage does not create life, but then who am I. Every group seeks to find a crack in the law which they feel supports their cause, but in the final analysis...........
Brandon 11 years, 1 month ago
"Same sex marriage does not create life" Indeed it doesn't, People create new human life-not a particular institution created by people. Now if there was a heterosexual couple, but are physically unable to have children, by your logic they shouldn't be allowed to get married either. And what about very old couples? Do you see the flaws in your argument yet?
ktsears 11 years, 1 month ago
The church is a special interest group. It seeks to have policies enacted based on a particular set of beliefs not rooted in fact or genuine concern for all people. If that's not special interest I don't know what is. And Brandon is quite right. This argument that marriage should only be between a man and a woman because only that combination can reproduce is nonsense. We don't require fertility testing before marriage, we don't prevent people no longer capable of reproducing from getting married and we don't penalize people who are able to have but don't want to have kids. Based on your logic, one would assume that all "traditional" families are stable, happy homes for children and we know that's not the case. And what is "traditional marriage" anyhow?! One man,one woman is hardly the norm in the bible.
VickySawyer 11 years, 1 month ago
Erin was very well spoken. ceemoss yes the church is a special interest group, not everyone is a believer and its only based on a belief not facts. A marriage where either of the couple is sterile they cant create life either. Here is a fact for you though there is a Bahamian same sex couple legally married in the Bahamas. I am one half of that marriage
1plpgovernment 11 years, 1 month ago
.Erin what the #$%# are you a woman or a man.Look like you want to be a man to attract a woman. Obviously your role play is that of a person who it cant be ............an opposite trying to attract an OPPOSITE. Enough of the bull. Walk around and be sissy if you want, but stop trying to look for loop hopes in the law. And tribune will I be deleted by saying she just one big sissy and some of these persons commenting under the guise of equality. Bunch of sissies.
Brandon 11 years, 1 month ago
Whether a member of the LGBT community or not, what is being sought after for isn't your "loopholes" in the law. Instead they are recognizing the gaping holes in the law that allow in discrimination and unfairness. Which of course by speaking out about this topic, is to seeking to repair. Grow up.
Understandfacts 11 years, 1 month ago
Uhm, read your Bible and pray every day, and you will know that this LGBT community needs a lot of soul searching. Instead of searching for equality as it relates to marital status, you need to search for what is right as it relates to God.
Marriage is an institution sanctioned by God, and no man or law created by man can and will ever change that. If you don't believe in God and want to be married because it is your constitutional right to be so, then you will have a binding agreement that really is not marriage.
You people are delusional and these are really the signs of the times.
SATAN IS BUSY BUT GOD IS REAL, SO BE STILL AND KNOW!
Understandfacts 11 years, 1 month ago
At the end of the day, we all will have our day before God, The Jews, The Muslims, The Christians, The Atheists, the Heterosexuals the Homosexuals and we will have to give an account for our sins, and when we do, may God have mercy on our souls.
downthemiddle 11 years, 1 month ago
amen....understandfacts....Men or governments around the world can legalise anything God calls detestable to him as outlined in Lev. 18, but HE will have the final say and may God have mercy on us all
meeabos 11 years, 1 month ago
References to church being a special intrest group??? Here is someone not only challenging but labeling the church, where is the christian council when you need them? Just weeks ago they were all over the media
audleymitchell 11 years, 1 month ago
Same-sex marriage is not an issue. The definition of marriage may be an issue. If marriage is defined as involving persons of the opposite sex, then there is no need for the question. If marriage only requires consenting adults, then the question is answered. We must be careful if we dare to redefine marriage. If the only qualification is being consenting adults, the option is available for two (why not three or more) brothers / sisters to get married (there is no concern about inbreeding). For that matter, why can't three persons (of any combination) get married? The same values that shape the man / woman marriage shape our one woman-one man, no close relations marriage standards. If marriage is a only a civil institution or social construct, then we must allow it to be modified to suit our times. If marriage is ordained by God and is His institution that reflects the holy relationship between God and man (Ephesians 5), we do well to leave the definition to Him.
tabularasa 6 years, 4 months ago
My film Rebels on Pointe is a touching feature documentary that will play at Bahamas International Film Festival on Dec. 14 and 18 -- which gently explores our shared humanity through themes of dreams, identity, family, love and resilience through the story of Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo -- the all male, drag ballet company founded in 1974.
While I am not gay myself, I am a deep supporter of equal rights for all and have many LGBTQ friends who deserve respect, something I work very hard with my husband to encourage loving values with our 12 year-old daughter, including "judge lest thee be judged."
I will attend BIFF to present the film in person, and will participate in Q&A after each of the screenings -- the first on Thursday, Dec. 14 and the second on Sunday, Dec. 17 (exact times/location at link below).
The film is currently playing in theaters across the USA. Here are a few of the latest critical reviews:
"Rebels On Pointe is a delightful documentary... lovingly chronicled by Bobbi Jo Hart." - The Village Voice
"Friendly...especially gratifying." - The Hollywood Reporter
"On days when it seems there isn’t too much to smile about, grab a glass of wine and watch “Rebels on Pointe,” Bobbi Jo Hart's playful documentary." - The New York Times
"Intriguing... a delightful, engaging cultural experience." - The Los Angeles Times
"Genuinely inquisitive and insightfully divulging... Bobbi Jo Hart's waggish, warm-hearted documentary will tickle all audiences." - The Film Journal International
http://bintlfilmfest.com/the_festival...">http://bintlfilmfest.com/the_festival...
by tabularasa
Sign in to comment
Or login with:
OpenID