The Tribune

By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

GRAND Bahama Human Rights Association President Fred Smith urged the Christie administration to enact a Human Rights Act, which would make it illegal and punishable by law to “malign and vilify” members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community because they choose to express their individuality.

Speaking to The Tribune yesterday, Mr Smith, QC, criticised Tall Pines MP Leslie Miller over his recent comments in which he harshly criticised transgender people saying he constantly prayed to God to end the world as their lifestyles “go against His will”.

On Monday, Mr Miller also told The Tribune he would donate $1,000 to help relocate transgender Bahamians to their own private island.

Mr Smith went on to commend Progressive Liberal Party Chairman Bradley Roberts for distancing the party from Mr Miller’s comments and stressing that the MP’s position was not that of the political organisation or the government.

The activist added that the GBHRA fully supported the LGBT community.

“On behalf of the GBHRA, it is high time that the government passes a Human Rights Act to stop this kind of abusive hate speech,” Mr Smith said.

“We don’t need a referendum. We don’t need anything more than a simple Human Rights Act, which provides protection to people who are expressing individuality.

“We pride ourselves on being a nation with Christian values yet we are constantly allowing members of Parliament, and not only them but those in the Senate in addition to religious leaders, icons in the society, malign, vilify and savage people.

“Most civilised democracies have a Human Rights Act which makes it a criminal offence and a civil liability to expresses hateful and venomous words as Mr Miller has done.”

He continued: “Regardless of your gender, sexual orientation, religious or political persuasion, people should be allowed to express themselves or promote their interests without feeling like they will be viciously savaged by members of Parliament.”

Mr Smith said while he appreciates Mr Roberts’ stance against the remarks, the Progressive Liberal Party needs to “put its money where its mouth is” and pass legislation to protect the rights of citizens.