J-FLAG’s International Day for Tolerance Message

The following is from Jamaica Forum for Lesbians, All-sexuals, and Gays

Today marks the 17^th International Day for Tolerance to educate people about the need for tolerance in society. It is a time for us to reflect and understand the negative effects of intolerance.

It is important that we learn about respecting and recognizing the rights and beliefs of others. We use this opportunity to celebrate the progress that has been made in protecting and promoting the human rights of Jamaicans who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender.

This is evident in a number of public activities held without incident since April 2009 to raise the awareness of the issues being faced by the LGBT community and our allies. The Jamaica Constabulary Force now recognises and is more supportive of the rights of LGBT people in exercising their duties. More constructive conversations, articles and letters with regards to the rights of lesbian and gay Jamaicans are being published and broadcasted. Key leaders, including political representatives, in our society have accepted our invitation and extended a helping hand to have conversation with us and support our advocacy and programmes.

Nonetheless, people continue to report incidents of harassment, violence, home evictions, and mob attacks, among others because they are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender. A 2011 study conducted by Prof. Ian Boxhill found that Jamaicans from all social classes, gender and social groups have strong negative views about homosexuality. The research highlights the need for greater tolerance towards the LGBT community so people can claim and enjoy their fundamental rights to life, security, well-being and dignity.

As a community, we must understand that building tolerance and trust in diverse communities is not done overnight, but takes time and commitment. Building tolerance requires access to education about the sacrifices our ancestors made and the risk they were prepared to take to fight for equality and justice. We must therefore place greater emphasis on educating Jamaicans about tolerance, human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Let us recognize our responsibilities in safeguarding the welfare of all Jamaicans regardless of their sexual orientation. Each one of us can make a difference in the transformation of Jamaica—our place to live, work, raise families and do business.

Dane Lewis

Executive Director

November 16, 2011

Jamaican Government to Report on the state of “Buggery” Laws in 2012

The following is a release from Jamaica Forum for Lesbians, All-sexuals and Gays.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Kingston, Jamaica:

Jamaica has been requested by the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Committee to take specific actions to protect and promote the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Jamaicans and to report on the steps taken in 2012.

In expressing its concern about the continued discrimination and of acts of violence being perpetrated against members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, the Committee has requested that the government take steps to amend the buggery law and provide protection for LGBT persons and human rights defenders. Specifically, they recommended that the Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms be reviewed to prohibit discrimination on the grounds of sex, sexual orientation and gender identity and provide an update in one year.

In its statement, the Committee has strongly recommended that Jamaica ‘… send a clear message that it does not tolerate any form of harassment, discrimination or violence against persons for their sexual orientation, and should ensure that individuals, who incite violence against homosexuals, are investigated, prosecuted and properly sanctioned.’

According to Dane Lewis, J-FLAG’s Executive Director, “this is unprecedented and sends a strong message that the continued abuse perpetrated against persons because they are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender and the impunity for those carrying out such abuse is an urgent matter that must be addressed by our parliament.” Acts of violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity is a major issue of concern to J-FLAG and its allies.

The recommendations were part of a list in the concluding observations on the third periodic report on human rights submitted by the government and civil society groups. While the Committee commended Jamaica for the legislative and institutional steps taken over the past 10 years to protect and promote human rights, it had a number of concerns on matters that are in contravention of the principles of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which Jamaica ratified on October 3, 1975.

Among other issues on which the committee made recommendations was the establishment of an independent national human rights institution, addressing issues relating to the welfare of children, extrajudicial killings, state of prisons and detention centres and questions around corporal punishment.

In light of this development and the recent announcement by Britain of the intention to cut aid to countries with anti-buggery laws, J-FLAG is urging the new Prime Minister, Hon. Andrew Holness, to show he respects the rights of all Jamaicans, to include protection for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons from discrimination and violence in our legislation.

“While J-FLAG does not support the UK’s proposed foreign aid cuts, it is clear that as a country, we can no longer ignore the suffering of thousands of Jamaicans who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender. We invite the government, in light of frustrations with our poor human rights record, to dialogue so we can work together to develop possible actions to protect and promote the rights of all Jamaicans ” Lewis said.

It is clear that as a country we can no longer ignore the suffering of hundreds of thousands of Jamaicans who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender. J-FLAG stands ready to support the government in demonstrating its commitments to protect and promote the human rights of all Jamaicans, regardless of their socio-economic status, sexual orientation, health status, disability, work, and political and religious persuasions.



Contact:

Dane Lewis

P.O. Box 1152, Kingston 8, Jamaica

T: (876) 978-8988 | M: (876) 875 2328 | F: (876) 946-3244

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