Former Guyanese President says the country is ready for gay marriage

By Devina Samaroo (Guyana newsroom) and others

Amid renewed calls for the decriminalisation of same-sex intimacy, former President and Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo believes that the country is not ready for such major changes.

Jagdeo reminded that during related consultations, the public expressed disapproving sentiments towards the decriminalisation of same-sex intimacy.

“I don’t think the country, based on what our consultations show among large numbers of people, is ready for the same sex marriage and all of those things,” he posited during a press conference at his Office  on 24 May, 2017.

According to Jagdeo, there was a huge outcry about making same-sex intimacy a fundamental right.

“Because if it did, then the Marriage Act would have been illegal…and because of both sides – what the religious communities and NGOs came up with – we decided not to go to that level,” he stated.

However, he noted that Guyanese, based on feedback during those consultations, did not support discrimination on any grounds.

He also pointed out that the situation is similar to that of the death penalty matter.

“We’ve not had anyone executed since sometime in 1990s. So similarly, in the books, we have some of these provisions in place but people in practice, people have not been charged on the basis of these issues anymore,” he stated.

Nonetheless, Jagdeo said at some point in time, the laws must reflect the nation’ practices.

In this regard, he said he is prepared to engage in discussions with the government’s intention of ensuring persons are not discriminated against.

meanwhile another report from the Guyana Times said in part:

While the State has issued no official word on the issue, both Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams have publicly stated that Government will be moving to hold a referendum to determine whether same-sex intimacy should be decriminalised.

However, the local LGBT community has objected to such a move, and on Wednesday called on the coalition administration to fulfil its manifesto promise of ensuring that the LGBT community and other minority groups are not discriminated against.

In fact, Executive Director of the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD), Joel Simpson, told reporters at a press conference that this referendum will not be supported by the three local LGBT groups — Guyana LGBT Coalition (Guyana Trans United), Guyana Rainbow Foundation (GuyBow), and SASOD; nor will it be supported by the Guyana Equality Forum, because the rights of a minority group should not be subjected to a popular vote.

“This divisive referendum will deepen the marginalisation and isolation of LGBT persons, as right-wing groups will undoubtedly heighten their homophobic rhetoric, as is already happening on social media,” he said.

The SASOD Executive explained that the move to hold a referendum will only serve to stress out and burden the mental health of the local LGBT community, instead of strengthening social cohesion and building national unity.

Reactions on Facebook by Caribbean activists have come in:

Vidyaratha Kissoon
"lol i remember when he first said this and i wrote a thing about it seems the sex was okay, but marriage was not.."

Caleb Orozco of UNIBAM
"Who the hell is talking about marriage when basic protections don't exist" he continued "One of many silly politician feeding the masses foolery"

Guyana will not hold a referendum to decriminalise sodomy

Guyana, one of the former colonies like us that has been saddled with an age old 485 year old legislation of the United Kingdom under colonialism will not hold a referendum to give voters the choice to decriminalise homosexuality – despite media organisations claiming the opposite.

The news published by several Guyanese local media organisations was a result of a misunderstanding of the government’s official position on the matter.

The government had responded to a submission made by the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD), its managing director Joe Simpson told PinkNews.

head of SASOD Joel Simpson earlier this year in the crossdressing court case, see: Trans woman barred from entering Georgetown Magistrate’s Court .... and Previously denied transgender claimant in Guyanese court case allowed in court

SASOD called for government action on youth LGBT discrimination with special regard to the fields of education, bullying, employment sexual and mental health.

It put forward its petition to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) following the 161st Ordinary Period of Session addressing young people’s rights.

The government’s response stated: “The issue of repeal was brought to the attention of the legislative arm of government on several occasions and it was deemed unfit for the legislature to decide on the matter.

“As such, it was recommended that the matter be taken to a vote, where the people of Guyana will decide by a referendum on these matters.”

SASOD sent this statement to several local media organisations who reported that the government would run a referendum in which the public would have had the chance to decide to decriminalise homosexuality (sodomy)

In 2016, Granger said: “I am prepared to respect the rights of any adult to indulge in any practice which is not harmful to others.”

However, his government has been criticised by the SASOD for not having implemented any changes.

Joel Simpson, SASOD managing director told Stabroek News: “I am glad the government remembers and they should be reminded that they haven’t delivered [their promises] two years later.”

In 2012, Guyana’s parliament set up a special select committee to hold consultations on a number of human rights issues.

However, the committee’s life was cut short before it could examine the country’s anti-gay laws when then President Ramotar prorogued parliament in December 2014 and held early elections in May 2015.

Meanwhile here in Jamaica the referendum on buggery has become a dangling political carrot used by the Jamaica Labour Party now in office to sure up support, especially from the religious right who makes the rest of a oh too quiet church collective.

More anon

Peace & tolerance

H

SASOD Guyana Reports Homophobic Government Minister to the United Nations

On Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at a press conference held in the Burbon Room at the Sidewall Café, the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) launched a damning 11-page report on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) human rights in Guyana.

(l-r) Mr. Joel Simpson, Managing Director, SASOD; Ms. Tiffany Barry, Social Change Consultant, SASOD and Ms. Schemel Patrick, Advocacy and Communications Officer, SASOD.

SASOD, submitting the report along with the Sexual Rights Initiative (SRI), reported homophobic Government Minister Juan Edghill to the United Nations’ Human Rights Council for hate speech, as a violation of the Guyana Constitution and international human rights law, and called for his removal. SASOD also presented a 15-point list of recommendations to the Government of Guyana.

Ms. Tiffany Barry, Social Change Consultant, SASOD giving a brief synopsis of the UPR report

In giving a synopsis of the report, SASOD’s Social Change Consultant, Ms. Tiffany Barry outlined the 15 recommendations posited by SASOD. 

The recommendations include educating members of the uniformed forces and evaluating their performances based on their obligations in terms of non-discriminatory treatment towards marginalized groups; repeal sections 351 to 353 of the Criminal Law Offences Act Chapter 8:01 and 153 (1) (xlvii) of the Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) Act Chapter 8:02 which criminalise same-sex/gender intimacy between consenting adult men in private and cross-dressing, respectively; amend section 4 of the Prevention of Discrimination Act, Chapter 99:09, to include sexual orientation and gender identity as grounds for discrimination in employment, training and recruitment; among others.

The report titled “On Devil’s Island: A UPR Submission on LGBT Human Rights in Guyana” was submitted a month ago on June 15, the same day that Minister within the Ministry of Finance Juan Edghill made hate-inciting comments on Hard Talk – a local radio programme on iRadio - describing homosexuality as “destructive, unwholesome and unhealthy” saying it should not be tolerated in the Guyanese society.

Mr. Joel Simpson, Managing Director of SASOD, answering questions from the media.

In his remarks, Managing Director of SASOD, Mr. Joel Simpson said that “Edghill’s inflammatory edict amounts to hate speech as described by Article 146 (3) of the Guyana constitution as “speeches or other expressions, in whatever form, capable of exciting hostility or ill-will against any person or class of persons.” He further went on to say, “We are therefore calling for his removal as a Government Minister and Member of Parliament as this is a blatant violation of the fundamental rights and freedoms under the Guyana constitution.”
Others government representatives who have made comments on LGBT issues over the past month were PPP/C’s Member of Parliament Manzoor Nadir stating that the outcry to scrap anti–LGBT laws is a “storm in a teacup” issue; and Presidential Adviser on Governance, Gail Teixeira’s recent remarks that “there is no fast track… to see change and support new rights.” 

Simpson questioned “which rock Nadir is living under” citing monthly media reports of violence, discrimination and injustice against LGBT Guyanese and multiple reports from the University of the West Indies’ Faculty of Law, SASOD and other groups. Simpson also responded to Teixeira declaring “yes, there is a fast track way. It’s political leadership and our government sorely lacks this when it comes to human rights issues.” He reiterated the call for better protection of existing human rights for LGBT people, rebuffing Teixeira’s salvo that these are “new rights.”

The full report can be found here.

Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) Guyana is the big 10

Celebrating its diamond, 10th anniversary, the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) hosted a series of activities at Moray House on Camp and Quamina Streets on Monday, June 24. A 20-minute documentary titled “SASOD at 10” highlighting SASOD’s work on equality in Guyana over the past decade was launched. The film’s Producer, renowned local journalist, Gordon Moseley, in his remarks, shared insights on making the documentary, and reflected on SASOD’s growth since 2003, encouraging all Guyanese to support indigenous NGOs like SASOD who are working on issues related to human rights and equality in the country.

Ten diamond-shaped plaques were then presented as appreciation awards to organisations and individuals who have supported SASOD’s work on equality for lesbian gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) equality over the years. Guest speaker, Pandit Deodat Tillack, in his feature remarks, emphasized the need for human beings to live in harmony without prejudice to others, and emphatically thanked the awardees for their support to SASOD, re-affirming his own as well.

Pandit Deodat Tillack delivering his feature remarks.

The 10 appreciation awards were presented by SASOD representatives in these categories:

Media
1. Print Media: Stabroek News
2. Broadcast Media: HBTV Channel 9 First Look News
3. Internet Media: Demerara Waves
4. Journalist: Johann Earle

Civil Society
5. Civil Society Group: Red Thread
6. Civil Society Ally: Ms. Margaret Lawrence

Private Sector
7. Private Sector Entity: Sidewalk Café & Jazz Club
8. Private Sector Ally: Mr. Clinton Urling

Specific Sectors
9. Human Rights Lawyer: Mr. Gino Persaud
10. Faith Leader: Bishop Francis Alleyne, O.S.B.

SASOD’s 10th anniversary cake was cut by Mr. Frédéric Roberts, Programme Manager for External Relations of the Regional Section at the Delegation of the European Union (EU), and Ms. Zenita Nicholson, Secretary of SASOD’s trusteeship board, whose birthday was that day. The EU is one of SASOD’s principal donors through a partnership with UK-based INGO, Equal Rights Trust, with funding from the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights.

Mr. Frédéric Roberts and Ms. Zenita Nicholson cutting the 10th anniversary cake.

Ms. Joan McDonald, Administrator of Moray House Trust, cut the ribbon to open the week-long “SASOD at 10” photo-exhibition. SASOD trustee Ms. Ulelli Verbeke - the photographer who captured the images and curated the photo-exhibition - was also at Moray House on Monday.

 

Ms. Joan Mc Donald cuts ribbon to open SASOD’s photo-exhibition at Moray House.

SASOD’s Advocacy and Communications Officer, Mr. Leon Bacchus, who chaired the day’s activities, commented that “this event showcases the evolution and some of the progress SASOD has made over the years through its work on LGBT human rights in Guyana and I am proud to share these achievements with the public. SASOD will continue to hold public events like these to reach out and further inform and sensitize members of the public about LGBT issues in Guyana.”

SASOD’s 10th anniversary events were supported by British High Commission Georgetown and the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, as well as the DC-based Centre for Black Equity.

The “SASOD at 10” documentary can be viewed on SASOD’s YouTube channel.

SASOD's work on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) equality and human rights over the past decade in Guyana, in commemoration of the organisation's 10th anniversary in June 2013. The film's Producer is Gordon Moseley, and its Assistant Producer is Alana Da Silva.

Congratulations to them, our own JFLAG though not up to par as they really ought to and can be will be 15 years old this year in December.
Peace and tolerance

H

Guyana seeks public opinion on controversial laws ..............

Guyana is launching a national debate on whether to eliminate its death penalty and overhaul laws that discriminate against gays, lesbians and transgender people.

Town-hall-style meetings will be held across the socially conservative South American country as part of a promise that Guyana made to the United Nations Human Rights Council. The government plans to analyze public opinion before deciding whether it will submit any bills to revise current laws.

"Government has no line or position on the gay rights issue," Presidential Adviser Gail Teixeira told The Associated Press on Tuesday. "We will hold the consultations, and if the recommendation is to change the laws, then that will be taken into consideration."

The death penalty is common across the Caribbean, as are laws against cross-dressing and gay sex.

This programme was recorded and aired on Tuesday 28th March, 2012. The Government of Guyana has stated its intentions to conduct consultation on the repeal of the laws which discriminate against lesbian, gay , bisexual and trandgendered persons. 

This programme was convened by Hon Gail Teixeira MP, Advisor on Governance to the President. The programme features the discussion with Ms Texeira; Joel Simpson - Co Chairperson of SASOD; and Andrew Hicks, Head of the Department of Sociology at the University of Guyana. The moderator is Mr Raymon Cummings. This recording was done by NCN Channel 11. 

The encoding and conversions were done by SASOD. Viewers might have to raise the volume on their computer speakers or use a headset if one is available.

The government said officials also plan to meet with leaders from Christian, Hindu and Islamic communities who represent Guyana’s most prominent religions. Many religious leaders in the country oppose legalization of homosexuality.

The independent Society Against Sexual Orientation and Discrimination said it will campaign to remove what it says are extremely discriminatory colonial-era laws.

"It is making criminals out of ordinary people," spokesman Joel Simpson said, noting that under current law, two consenting male adults could face a minimum of two years in prison for having sex in the privacy of their home.

Many Guyanese are opposed to the discussions because they want the current laws to remain untouched.

Rayon Griffith, a food vendor in the capital of Georgetown, said he already worries about gay and lesbian displays of affection on TV.

"I am worried that a whole generation is coming up thinking this is right," he said.

Others are opposed to abolishing the death penalty.

"We have a nation with criminals with warped minds," said Cranon Henry, a 41-year-old security guard. "Hanging will make criminals fear attacking people. Once they kill two or three of them, you will see how quickly the murder rate will go down."

National Security Minister Clement Rohee already has launched the debate on hangings via televised panel discussions that last up to one hour and allow for call ins. People also will be able to attend town halls on the issue later this month. No one has been hanged in Guyana since 1997 even though the law remains on the books. 


Nearly 30 prisoners are on death row.

Teixeira said the government will inform the U.N. in October about the results of the discussions even if they are still in progress.

"We are keeping our promise to consult with an open mind," she said.

(segments Courtesy of repeatislands)

Guyanese Gov’t against sexual discrimination .... but

........ not ready to repeal laws against buggery, cross-dressing

Source: Kaieteur News

SASOD is a group based in Guyana which is committed to eradicating discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation. It started work in 2003 with the campaign to include sexual orientation as one of the fundamental rights in the Guyana constitution, and has since been working on promotion of rights for gay and lesbian people. Main Site is at http://www.sasod.org.gy

The government on Thursday restated its position against discrimination on the basis of a person’s sexual orientation, but stopped short of saying if it was ready to repeal laws which make it criminal for men to have sex with men or for anyone to cross-dress.

By law, sexual intimacy between men is not allowed in Guyana, as is the case in most of the Commonwealth Caribbean. Leading figures in the fight against HIV/AIDS, including UN envoy Sir George Alleyne, have suggested that this hinders an effective public health response to the epidemic.

Further, a leading rights group is seeking to get the High Court to rule that the law against cross-dressing violates constitutional rights of individuals who wish to do so. “Cabinet did reflect on social responses to homosexuality and reiterated its position of not supporting discrimination of those whose sexual orientation offended contemporary social norms and also consequently any advocacy of such lifestyles,” Dr Roger Luncheon, the government’s chief spokesman said.
But for the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD), which has been leading the fight against homophobia, mere talk from the government would not do.


“If Cabinet is serious about its position of not discriminating against people because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, then they should be taking steps to repeal the laws that criminalise consensual same-sex behaviour.
The Attorney General should be moving quickly to respond favourably to the constitutional challenge to the cross dressing laws which are now pending in Court,” SASOD said in an initial response to Luncheon’s comments.

Further, SASOD charged that the Government should also be concerned about the homophobic statements by Mr Juan Edghill, Chairman of the Ethnic Relations Commission. According to SASOD, Edghill abused his office to wrongfully criticise the SASOD Film Festival in June 2010.

“To date, Mr Edghill has received no sanctions from the President despite the condemnation from several sections of the society,” the Society stated.
SASOD said that while it is good to know that the Cabinet is letting its belief and positions known, “the transforming of the words into positive action is going to be more critical to the livelihood of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Guyanese, and to those who are working towards a society which accepts all forms of diversity.”


SASOD has worked over the years to end homophobia and is representing a group of transgender people who have filed a motion for the Supreme Court to overturn the country’s law against cross dressing.