Spanish gay group correct (Letter to the Gleaner editor 29.08.09)

THE EDITOR, Sir:

REGRETTABLY, the Spanish gay- rights group is correct in its assessment of Jamaica, and its call for a boycott at a time when we can least afford it should have been anticipated.

Those most hateful of gays are the ones closest to being gay themselves. This is true and many men will kill someone who calls them homosexuals, usually because it is so close to the truth.

We have policemen, preachers and politicians inciting violence against gays, many of whom are genetically predisposed to homosexuality and did not choose that way of life. Think for a minute. Who would choose to risk death, persecution, prosecution, shame and all that comes with being gay?

low production

We are producing nothing sensible for export, and remittances are down. Can we really afford a blow to tourism, regardless of how small? I would suggest the government make a statement to the effect that violence and discrimination against gays will not be tolerated and is punishable by law. That is the right thing to do.

We cannot expect to live in the global human community when so many of us are behaving like brutish animals, and we cannot continue to play hypocrites with God's will. The commandment to 'Love thy neighbour' does not specify heterosexuals only.

Wake up Jamaica and smell the coffee. Let's check ourselves and correct ourselves before we wreck ourselves. And Mr Chief Servant, it starts with you.

I am, etc.,

Anonymous

St Elizabeth