Index - Posting 17 April 2007 Vol. 3:8
The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.
Psalm 103:6 (NIV)
Ever since the publication Time, posed the question “The most homophobic place on earth?” Jamaica has been so labelled by many commentators owing to the numerous reports of violence towards the homosexual community. As a daily reader of on-line Jamaican newspapers, the overall levels of violence nationally are appalling, particularly against children, where murder rates exceed that of gay people.
As a general rule I agree with our Prime Minister, the Honourable Portia Simpson, who during an address to us in London last month, cautioned that we need to stop “bad mouthing” Jamaica and work together for national unity. I have never demonstrated outside the Jamaica High Commission as I am free to enter by the front door. This does not mean that my national loyalties support acts of violence that infringe on our liberties or condone the inflammatory statements issued by clergypersons or by lyrical deejays. It reflects my belief that people are most effective in their demonstrations and protests, when the channels used, reflect who they are and encourage attitudinal change.
At a recent Conference on Faith, Homophobia and Human Rights, it was grievous to hear the anguish of a fellow national who returned for a vacation and felt his life was in danger for being who he was – homosexual. Understandably so, he was seriously distressed by his visit and felt his life was spared only through the timely intervention of a relative who advise him of appropriate public behaviour. But I could not sit by and appear to condone the onslaught of negativity that his statements provoked from the listening British participants. They regurgitated hearsay; offering nothing but uninformed condemnation. I had to offer the possibility of hope, that change is possible in Jamaica and that there are degrees of acceptance at certain levels of society, manifest in a Jamaican way that may not fit comfortably in the “Western” model that it often held up as the standard. Sometimes persistent labelling only confirms undesirable behaviour and may just encourage it’s persistent through defiance and outrage at perceived “foreign interference.” The memories of which from the Manley days, still linger. I have often hoped and prayed that a respected national church leader would publically advocate for the upholding of the civil rights and safety of all Jamaicans. And whilst discriminatory laws persist, that seem impervious to change, I was heartened to read this report in the Jamaican Gleaner on Tuesday 17th April under the caption - “ 'Leave 'gays' alone!' - Church, human rights groups, politicians call for end to beatings.”
A joint forum of church, human rights lobbyists and politicians from both sides of the political divide, made a desperate plea yesterday for Jamaicans to end violence against homosexuals. The forum, headed by Political Ombudsman and clergyman, Bishop Herro Blair, said while the act is illegal and immoral, Jamaicans must abstain from mob violence and should instead seek to build a culture of tolerance for such individuals. In recent months, there has been a drastic increase in the number of mob attacks on homosexuals, the group claimed with as many as 16 since January according to the Jamaica Forum for Lesbians and All-Sexuals (JFLAG). This is coming from a figure of 40 beatings in 2006, JFLAG claimed…The group is also calling on the police to be more sensitive to cases involving alleged homosexuals and to treat them equally under the law. He said if the security forces make the first move, then the rest of society might follow suit…His comments were echoed by Dr. Carolyn Gomes, executive director of Jamaicans For Justice…"(We must) ensure that the police force knows for itself and sends the message down that they are to protect, serve and reassure all Jamaicans and uphold equal treatment for all Jamaicans.
Gay rights are a human rights issue and also a religious one. Without the positive engagement and public participation of the churches, there may not be a significant movement towards tolerance, at the very least, or in attitude, at the very best. The underlying issue of Christian practice needs to be prominent in the public debate. This cannot be from an elitist or an academic theological perspective if it is to touch the people, but one that speaks to the spirit of Christ’s message of loving one’s neighbour and mutual respect. Everyone’s rights need to be protected, regardless of whether one agrees or disagrees with particular life styles or behaviours. Nor will double standards among Christians be seen as credible or effect genuine change. One of the ways to demonstrate this, is a genuine and public concern for everybody’s safety and wellbeing. Hurting people tend to hurt others. And ignorance kills.
Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. He taught in their synagogues, and everyone praised him…They were amazed at his teaching, because his message had authority. Luke 4:14-15, 32 (NIV)
May the authoritative voice of the Holy Spirit continue to guide and amaze us.
Rev Caroline Redfearn ©blackpeoplesministries.com 2007