Wayne Besen - Author, Activist, Columnist, Public Speaker

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

-Jamaican Biblical Morality, Left-

(Weekly Column)

Gay bashing in Jamaica is so prevalent that in 2006 Time Magazine wrote an article about the island headlined, "The Most Homophobic Place On Earth?" The New York Times this week showed that the anti-gay climate has only worsened, with the island caught in a downward spiral of outright psychosis. It is time to hand an ultimatum to Jamaica's public officials: Stop allowing rampant abuse of gay people or your economy will be crippled.

The Times story is downright chilling. It details how last month five gay men were having a dinner party when a mob appeared at the front door - kicking it in and attacking the men. While screaming homophobic epithets, between 15-20 thugs beat the victims senseless with sticks and cut them with machetes. One man is still missing, but police found blood at the mouth of a deep hole near the yard.

This was not an isolated incident. The Times went on to report a shocking attack on a gay man's funeral last year, where hooligans trashed the church with rocks and bottles as the service was in session. Of course, this unholy barbarism occurred in the name of God. Interestingly, Jamaicans have turned their sex-fueled island into a heterosexual bathhouse and ganja den, but seem to get sanctimonious and discover the Bible when it comes to homosexuality.

Prior to these incidents, two of the island's notable gay advocates, Steve Harvey and Brian Williamson, were murdered. Time Magazine reported that a crowd celebrated over Williamson's disfigured body. Time also recounted an incident in 2004 where a teen was nearly killed when his father learned his son was gay and urged a mob to lynch the boy at his school. In the same year, it was reported that police heartily cheered on another mob as it stabbed and stoned a gay man to death in Montego Bay. In 2006, a Kingston man drowned after a horde screaming "batty boy" (a Jamaican slur for gay people) chased him off a high dock.

On American docks, six hundred miles west of this homophobic hellhole, tourists regularly line up to board massive luxury liners destined for Jamaica. The tropical island earned $2.1 billion from tourism in 2006, an increase of 24 percent over 2005. More than three million people visited Jamaica in 2006, with 1,025,000 arrivals from the United States.

Clearly, the answer to Jamaica's love affair with lynching is an aggressive campaign designed to put the clamp on tourism - particularly the cruise industry. The goal should be to strangle Jamaica's economy and force the island to change or suffer severe consequences. With tourism Jamaica's second largest source of revenue, such a campaign could have a powerful impact that achieves tangible results.

It appears that four major cruise lines are the main conduits in which people infuse Jamaica's economy with blood money. They are Carnival, Costa, Celebrity and Royal Caribbean. The ports where the ships leave are Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral and Galveston.

It is imperative that one of the GLBT international groups or a major U.S. gay rights group create a campaign to shame these corporations and the passengers that travel on their ships. With so few ports, it would be relatively simple to call for a boycott and picket, while handing hand out informational flyers to cruisers. A "Boycott Jamaica" advertising campaign would greatly strengthen these actions. Billboards would need to be strategically placed along I-95 between Miami and Fort Lauderdale with the bold headline: "JA-MURDER."

Undoubtedly, there are many passengers with gay friends and family members who are unaware of Jamaica's sickening and immoral violence against GLBT people. Once informed, many individuals would opt to vacation elsewhere. There is no doubt that with a concerted effort, Jamaica could be brought to its knees.

To lift such a boycott, Jamaica would have to abolish its "buggery" law. Public officials would have to undergo sensitivity training. The police would be required to set up daily undercover stings - where officers would dress in stereotypically gay clothing and arrest would-be attackers. Finally, Jamaica's public officials would have to openly welcome gay and lesbian travelers and offer enthusiastic support for homosexuals living within the country.

It is time we stopped vacationing from our responsibility and started holding Jamaica and its corporate enablers accountable. Until anti-gay atrocities are no longer the norm, Jamaica must be seen as an international pariah, rather than the faux paradise it presents itself to the world.

Note: Of course, there are other parts of the world, particularly Middle East countries, which treat gay people at least as poorly as Jamaica. There are also nations in Africa and Eastern Europe where homosexuals are marginalized and stigmatized. However, there is little leverage to facilitate change in these remote parts of the world. America is not going to jeopardize its oil supply over gay people. And, if most Americans are not going to pay attention to famines and genocide in Africa - they certainly are not going to concern themselves with the treatment of homosexuals. Anti-gay activity in countries like Poland or Russia is more the purview of the European Union. Jamaica is the one place where Americans can make a difference - thus we should.

95 Comments:

I never had any desire to go to that shithole anyway, and I never will, even if they stop the attacks (not likely). I'd rather spend my money on civilized people and cultures. Sounds like a place where rush limbo would show up with his suitcase full of viagra. Barforama!
posted by Anonymous, at 2/26/2008 1:33 PM

A bunch of stoned savages. What a bunch of immoral a-holes. I would not spend a dime there. These people can go to HELL.

Bart
posted by Anonymous, at 2/26/2008 2:10 PM

'Interestingly, Jamaicans have turned their sex-fueled island into a heterosexual bathhouse and ganja den, but seem to get sanctimonious and discover the Bible when it comes to homosexuality.'

I think that statement borders on the racist. I suspect that the image accompanying that post also is being used with racist intent.
posted by Anonymous, at 2/26/2008 3:52 PM

There was *nothing* in the comment that mentioned race at all and what kind of a picture did you expect to depict a loser homophobic Jamaican, a blond white guy wearing Lederhosen? This is about hatred and ignorance, not race.
posted by Anonymous, at 2/26/2008 4:40 PM

I totally agree....the very notion of racism makes the accuser a flat out racist by injecting it into the conversation. The person seems to be projecting his or her own race issues, rather than an honest discussion of the post.

Joe
posted by Anonymous, at 2/26/2008 5:18 PM

I think it is imprtant to get the word out about these attacks.
becasue alot of tourest who are mostly straight have no idea that this happens, I'm sure some who have gay friends would wish to boycot. But also alot of straight people don't really know any gay people so they may feel this does'nt effect them, so alot needs to be done to grab Jamica by the balls.
posted by Anonymous, at 2/26/2008 8:15 PM

It is High Time (pun intended)

that the atrocities against GLBT Jamaicans and GLBT tourists be taken seriously.

Thank you Wayne for calling for a Boycott.

I have encouraged friends and family and anyone who'll listen to steer their vacation dollars away from this homophobic cesspool for the past several years. I hope others will follow suit.
posted by Anonymous, at 2/26/2008 9:43 PM

I've definitely made sure my straight friends know about this, especially the stoner ones who worship pot and reggae - they think Jamaica is some kind of hippie paradise full of Bob Marleys, and they are dumbfounded when they hear this about the culture, and the kind of blatant hate-filled lyrics that Jamaican reggae stars are using in their music (to the delight of their equally homophobic fans).
posted by Anonymous, at 2/27/2008 12:46 AM

There's nothing wrong with smoking weed, but there's certainly something wrong with the savages of Jamaica.

I agree, anon, stop putting your racist BS in Wayne's mouth. We already know whoever anon is, is associated with the "ex-gays" - and we all know most of the well-known "ex-gays" and their groups have ties with white supremacist groups, the KKK, and more.

Anyone wanna chip in and arrange to buy Jamaican cruise tickets ("cruise" being the operative word), for Stephen Bennett, Randy Thomas, Alan Chambers, and the rest of that bunch?

And let's not forget a couple extra tickets, for their best buddies Peter LaBarbera and Matt "concerned woman" Barber.
posted by S., at 2/27/2008 3:49 AM

Oh yeah, and don't go to Aruba if your a white female. They just drop 'em off the boat there! Violence is everywhere. If your shorter, lighter, darker, gayer, etc, etc... there is always a reason to have judgment. Maybe Jamiaca is down to their last reason.
posted by Anonymous, at 2/27/2008 5:37 AM

Scott,

You pronuonce one writer as savage and then stoop to that level in your next paragraph.

C'mon!
posted by Anonymous, at 2/27/2008 12:52 PM

I have been to Jamaica. It has such potential, but it is held back by religion, like so many other places.

Religion makes people ignorant and creates a darkness in the soul. It stops people from thinking and making up their own minds.

I pity people who need "faith." It is sad that they can't get through life without creating a fake, invisible friend.

The evolution of the species will only occur when people abandon religion.

People say - don't throw out the baby with the bathwater. Sadly, there was no baby to begin with. Just a myth that metastasizes and causes, murder, poverty and suffering throughout the globe.

Sally from Maine
posted by Anonymous, at 2/27/2008 1:30 PM

Anon, stop putting words in my mouth too LOL. I never called any writer a "savage". I called Jamaican's savages.

And it's certainly not a race issue. If it's any consolation, Russia, Ukraine, and Latvia are equally as savage as Jamaica - and they're pasty white.

The only difference is instead of joints and blunts, those feces-collecting freaks walk around with kielbasa's hanging out of their mouths. And THEY have a seething hatred for gays?
posted by S., at 2/27/2008 2:34 PM

Sally from Maine,

Your comment on religion was perfectly said. I could not agree more.
posted by MDW, at 2/27/2008 3:10 PM

It's quite clear from the writer's attempt to pass propaganda, rumours and falsifications for a homosexual agenda as fact, that he, or she, is ignorant of Jamaica, it's culture and it's position on homosexuality.

That said, I must take issue with the fact that you think it justified, to solicit havoc for a countries economy, in a bid to force upon that country, a lifestyle and culture not indigenous to its people. Jamaica's position on homosexuality is not based on religion, as you have so incorrectly proposed, its based on the fundamental princple or natural occurences. Humans, by nature and design, are anything but homosexuals. Homosexuality is purely a social phenomenon. And though some, like the writer, make have embraced this social behavior, Jamaicans have not.

I do not condone violence towards any group, for any reason, nor am I trying to offer justification for any factual incidence of such violence, but I am informed, and know that what is being said here is mostly false.

It is interesting that "savagery" is used to defame a nation actively protecting its indigenous social and moral fabric, by an individual who also proposes the savage act of "crippling" a nations economy in order to forcibly propogate sodomy...(sounds like the US and its position on Iraq doesnt it?)....Sir/madam, I take Jamaica, and Jamaicans over you and your lot anyday.

For those who know better, I hope you will not be as disturbed by the writers assertions as I was, and continue to enjoy Jamaica, Reggae, the world and life... objectively.
posted by Anonymous, at 2/27/2008 8:40 PM

"a lifestyle and culture not indigenous to its people. Jamaica's position on homosexuality is not based on religion, as you have so incorrectly proposed, its based on the fundamental princple or natural occurences. Humans, by nature and design, are anything but homosexuals. Homosexuality is purely a social phenomenon. And though some, like the writer, make have embraced this social behavior, Jamaicans have not."

Thanks for proving that Jamaicans are an ignorant, uneducated lot who deserve to have their economy crushed. While you mentioned Reggae , you failed to mention the hateful dance hall music with lyrics about murdering gay people.

Your stupidity is amazing. First, you assert that homosexuality is not indigenous. Well, it just so happens that homosexuals are from every part of the world. That is why the Jamaicans savagely being murdered are Jamaicans. Homosexuality is not something that can be rejected or accepted - it just is.

So, the only real question is, how are you going to treat gay people who come out? Civilized nations embrace their gay citizens and create an environment where they can be happy and flourish. Barbarian nations - like Jamaica - beat, maim and murder gay people. Such places must change or perish.

Homosexuality is both natural and normal. What is not natural or normal is bigotry that has infested Jamaica like a cancer. That is learned behavior and it is neither moral nor just. If that is "culture" it belongs in a petri dish.
posted by Anonymous, at 2/28/2008 9:06 AM

For those who know better, I hope you will not be as disturbed by the writers assertions as I was, and continue to enjoy Jamaica, Reggae, the world and life... objectively.
posted by Anonymous, at 2/27/2008 8:40 PM

No, thanks. As you have illustrated with your post, Mr. Besen is completely correct about the backward scum known as "Jamaicans." As far as reggae goes, if I want to listen to noise produced by semi-literate trash... well, actually, I wouldn't, so nevermind.
posted by Anonymous, at 2/28/2008 10:49 AM

I think the "racist" post is hysterical --- the picture is showing a real Jamaican - and the type of person attacking the gay members of that society. As for heterosexual western sexual Freedom - that also is under attack in Jaimaca -- the island is turning into a DANGEROUS place. While the FAMOUS straight swinger resorts are still there (HEDONISM 2 and HEDONISM 3) they no longer advertise to keep a LOW profile - and have been enduring protests from the rasta and christo fundamentalist Jaimacan. FUNDAMENTALISM is a THREAT everywhere. Imagine if America had a President who would speak out against ALL FUNDAMENTALISM???
posted by Anonymous, at 2/28/2008 11:29 AM

We really should be more careful to qualify our judgement to Jamaicans who are ignorant and HOMOPHOBIC instead of making superlative statements declaring that all Jamaicans are ignorant, homophobic, drug addicted savages.

When these statements are left unqualified they really do sound racist.

Of course this observation in no way changes the fact that our friendly, "ex-gay" supporting, anonymous troll is still a tool.

Zeke
posted by Anonymous, at 2/28/2008 12:50 PM

"We really should be more careful to qualify our judgement to Jamaicans who are ignorant and HOMOPHOBIC instead of making superlative statements declaring that all Jamaicans are ignorant, homophobic, drug addicted savages."

Should I ever come across such a Jamaican, I'll keep that in mind. To date, though, it seems like the only Jamaicans who aren't some combination of homophobic, drug addicted and savage have been murdered by the ones who are.
posted by Anonymous, at 2/28/2008 1:56 PM

How can two men love one another? It is wrong!!!! very wrong!!!!
posted by Anonymous, at 2/29/2008 8:34 AM

batty bwoy fi get gun shot
posted by Anonymous, at 2/29/2008 9:44 AM

Personally, I think batty boys should ban together and shoot Jamaicans. The world would be better without them. They are disgusting, unshowered creatures with roaches in their hair.

Notice these fucking cowards hunt gay people in packs. They always outnumber the gay people and have weapons. Why can't they fight one-on-one? Because Jamaicans are a bunch of low-life scum sissies.

It is time that gay people start packing heat and blow away the next mob of machete-wielding human trash.

Hurley
Texas
posted by Anonymous, at 2/29/2008 11:04 AM

"It is time that gay people start packing heat and blow away the next mob of machete-wielding human trash."

Way ahead of you. Any gangs of smelly, illiterate trash who show up on my property won't be walking away.
posted by Anonymous, at 2/29/2008 2:32 PM

How interesting that two men can hate each other, fight each other, torture each other, maim each other and even kill each other and everybody's OK with it, but let two men have the audacity to love one another and people become disgusted, bewildered and violent in their disapproval.

Yes anonymous, it's LOVE that's causing all the world's problems.

Zeke
posted by Anonymous, at 2/29/2008 11:33 PM

Wow, with all the hate on this site alone, life is looking grim.

Ok, So lets recap:
On one hand we have the angry gays, convinced that Jamaicans are "ignorant, homophobic, drug addicted savages", suggesting that justification for this claims lies within the coutless acts of violence and crime meeted out to gays by heterosexual Jamaicans. All this, without mentioning the fact that within jamaica, 80% of serious acts of violence against gays, are perpetrated by gays. Almost every known killing of a gay in Jamaica over the last 10 years has been commited by a fellow homosexual for some reason or the other. So as a reader I am concerned with the accuracy of your portrayal of the admitted homophobic nation.

On the other hand, you have a nation which for the most part is unyielding to the pressures of the wider world as it regards acceptance for homosexuality amongst other things such as globalization, capitalism, terrorism, racism, christian governance etc. Unfortunately, they weaken the merit of their resolve as it regards homosexuality via their comprehensive, irresponsible, but consistent verbal and physical abuse of the gay population, most notoriously through dancehall music, which advocates hatred towards gays, and gay lifestyle. But for me it is so difficult to consider the gay community as targeted for acts of violence in Jamaica given the unfortunate fact that violence against non-gays is significantly more prevalent than those towards gays. And as mentioned, most of tyhe killings you draw reference to were carried out within gay circles. It would seem that in a nation being torn appart by violence, simple probability would dictate that there will be homosexuals in the mix.

So what can I conclude from where I stand? I see the harping up of a minimal fraction a much more profound underlying problem by the gay community. What needs to be addressed is the fact that for sociol, economic and political reasons, Jamaicans are killing Jamaicans, be they gay or straight. As rightly said by Mr. Besen, this is not unique to Jamaica, our world is in crisis and something needs to be done, or we're all fucked (some of us in the ass).
posted by Anonymous, at 3/01/2008 9:39 AM

"All this, without mentioning the fact that within jamaica, 80% of serious acts of violence against gays, are perpetrated by gays. Almost every known killing of a gay in Jamaica over the last 10 years has been commited by a fellow homosexual for some reason or the other. So as a reader I am concerned with the accuracy of your portrayal of the admitted homophobic nation."

Interesting statistics. can you cite a source?
posted by Anonymous, at 3/01/2008 11:19 AM

Hurley from texas you need to stop sucking ... and talk sense.
We need a place to gather all you faggots so you can live together and leave the rest of society
posted by Anonymous, at 3/01/2008 6:53 PM

Ben in Oakland. Source is jamaican news. Most homosexual people that die in Jamaica are killed by some other homosexual. Notice i said die.

Homosexuals are not usually attacked unless they display disgusting behaviour in public
posted by Anonymous, at 3/01/2008 6:59 PM

OK, I think I'll add my two cents. First off, this article is not based on opinions, it's based on facts cited from the New York Times and Time Magazine.

These are real events, real people are hurt and killed just for being who they are. Stop and think for a second, 5 guys sitting down to dinner in their friend's home causes the community to break in and attack them with machettes?!

Come on people, you're better than this. We live in a country where diversity is part of our strength and our heritage. We all come from different beliefs and backgrounds to America with the dream of living in peace with our neighbors.

Anyone who tries to defend violence is wrong, no matter what excuse they try to come up with. I'm linking this article to my website to help it get attention.

All you anonymous haters out there should grow a set of grapes and use your own names. If you can't stand up and be proud of what you say you should sit back down and think some more.
posted by John Hosty, at 3/01/2008 10:31 PM

"Religion makes people ignorant and creates a darkness in the soul. It stops people from thinking and making up their own minds"

What sort of stupid statement is this?

How about if we rewrite it as

"Homosexuality makes people ignorant and creates a darkness in the soul. It stops people from thinking and making up their own minds"
posted by Paul Jamieson, at 3/02/2008 9:58 AM

"source is Jamaican news."

Honey, that's not a source citation, it is pulling it out of your ass.
posted by Anonymous, at 3/02/2008 11:27 AM

Boycott Jamica. If you want a Carribian country that is gay friendly, go the the Dominican Republic capitol of Santo Domingo.

The guys are WAY HOTTER there.
posted by Anonymous, at 3/02/2008 3:25 PM

I agree with the statements Paul Jamieson and Zeke have made. Why must we stoop to the level of our enemies?
posted by Emily K, at 3/02/2008 6:54 PM

Who do you guys think you are to bash Jamaica about being homophobic, please are you trying to say that this doesn't happen in America. Because Jamaica is a little island and whatever happens there gets aired to the whole world suddenly its a homophobic cesspool and a ganja den. You guys speak of ignorance but you are the ones who are ignorant and show once again how americans think they can boss everybody around and force their views down everybody elses throat. You all don't know anything about Jamaica so who are you to judge I fear for your atheist souls when God chooses to return to claim this earth. Jamaicans, despite our many problems have excelled in so many ways, why don't you write about those still functional racist clans operating out of America who kill and maim, why don't you write about all those pedophiles who kidnap, rape and kill people's kids everyday in America. "Sex fueled island" please and what is America, you have teens popping babies all over the place just like we do but on a much larger scale, sex is like a major business for you guys. Guess what you should be glad someone hasn't attacked your ass and leave Jamaica alone.
posted by Anonymous, at 3/03/2008 10:55 AM

I am certainly appalled by all your comments. All you shitholes are on slippery sand. Paul and all your gay idiots are the only cesspools. you are wallowing in your shit. What seems decent and normal about that.

You talk about cripling Jamaica's economy, do you think God is sleeping or dead. Let us tell you that most of your colleagues are killed by their jealous boyfriends and you are all going to fall on your own sword.
posted by Anonymous, at 3/03/2008 12:02 PM

Reading theses posts, it is clear to me that Jamica is not the "laid back" easy going loving place that the commercials show us. It is a place of angry mob justice. A place full of apocolyptic christians awaiting the return of an angry vengeful god. These are fanitic Christinists as violent as any Islamists. My advice for liberals, especially gays, is to stay away unless your idea of an Island paradise is risking being slain by an angry mob of religious pot smoking hetrosexualualy fornicating homophobes.

Try Puerto Rico, the american Virgin Islands or the Dominican Republic capitol city.
posted by Anonymous, at 3/03/2008 12:43 PM

It is even more clear to me that all of you are not proud of what you are doing, why be anonymous.

You are all a bunch of cowards. You talk of fanitic Christinists as violent as any Islamists, all you are trying to do is steriotype us. Jamaica might be small and don't have any major resources like oil that your mighty USA can run down and bombard us for, but we have the ALMIGHTY on our side and you shall not prevail in whatever you are trying to do.
posted by Anonymous, at 3/03/2008 1:47 PM

For those who wonder. I am leaving the hateful posts up, so we can see what we are up against.

I have gotten death threats over this article. These cowards do not scare me. I will not back down and will fight back, as all gay people should do.

Besides, I have yet to hear of a Jamaican attack that did not involve of a mob. Outnumbering unarmed people is hardly a profile in courage.

Take a good look at these comments and then decide if you want to spend your hard earned money in a place that teaches such hatred. Why subsidize this rabid anti-gay discrimination?

I appreciate all the people who have written in to prove my point about why Jamaica's economy should be destroyed until it gives up its habit of murdering gay people.

Finally, I have a point to make. Sure, gay people are also murdered in America. But, it is the exception, not the rule. The fact is, in major American cities, people can live as openly gay. In Jamaica, the same is not true. You must live closeted or suffer consequences.

Until people can live open and honest lives on this island, no one should spend a dime there. There are simply too many other places worthy of visiting that do not confuse murder with morality.
posted by Wayne Besen, at 3/03/2008 2:54 PM

Honey, did god tell you he's on your side, or did you make that up all by yourself?

If he didn't care about 6 million of his chosen people, 10's of thousands dead in Iraq, 3000 murdered on 9/11, or 1000's of children dying every day dure to starvation and war, what makes you so sure that he cares about the economy of jamaica?
posted by Anonymous, at 3/03/2008 3:12 PM

A day in the life of Jamica

get out of bed at the crack of noon

fornicate with a woman you are not married to.

smoke pot

get the munchies

fornicate again (differant HO)

on sunday go to church and preach against batty boys.

leave church and mame a batty boy

smoke more pot

munch out

attempt to fornicate (third woman).
trouble getting it up since so stoned.

pass out till the crack of noon next day.
posted by Anonymous, at 3/03/2008 4:08 PM

you people are sick
you would rather go against what the bible foretold just to experience sexual pleasure from the same sex.

what is so wonderful having intercourse with a man when from entering the anus you damage the man's rectum and cause the feces to travel in the tubes leading inside the abdomen instead of out through the rectum.

you people need God
LEAVE MY COUNTRY ALONE AND STOP TALKING TRASH ABOUT BOYCOT.

When the americans killing off the black race I dont see anyone standing in defence for us to boycot america noooooooooo but something that the bible is against and we as Jamaicans are standing up for it you are asking for a boycott.

Keep your sexuality behind closed doors no one needs to see or hear your dirty laundry.

GET YOUR PRIORITIES ABOUT LIFE STRAIGHT.
posted by Anonymous, at 3/03/2008 4:52 PM

Only because you and your BATTY BOY men wants to come to our wonderful island and since we wont tolerate your "battymanism" you are disturbed. But nevertheless we will pray for you and your cronies and let it be known we wont accomodate you. or perhaps you want to experience our culture hands on, how about a full paid first class ticket to the Paradise? and really see and feel what battyman goes through?
either way you all are gonna have to pay for your nasty lifestyle whether through Jamaica or God..
Before bashing other countries how about putting up bill boards in your own country about racism and/or KKK? Demonstrating about your president who's sending innocent children to fight for his war and selfishness? deal with your country's own problem before sticky your ASS in someone else. you know what, all our comments are doing is allowing you to have an important article, you are not even worth it.
posted by Anonymous, at 3/03/2008 4:55 PM

These Jamaicans are some of the stupidest people who have ever commented on this site.

Unbelievably hateful, bigoted and backwards. Who would ever spend a penny in such a place?

Well - I did. In fact, I have been to Jamaica three times. Now, I will never return after learning more about the island.

Wayne, thanks for educating me and my husband about this issue. There are other straight couples who will agree with us and go elsewhere.

As for the nasty Jamaicans commenting - you are already living in Hell - as you are enslaved by your own ignorance.

I can only feel bad for you and weep at your terrible understanding of the Lord. Sadly, you have confused violent Voodoo with loving Christianity. But, you are far from Christian. What you preach is evil - not Godly.

Goodbye Jamaicans - I just wish I could take back every dollar a wasted on supporting your island. Clearly, it was not spent on education.

Joan
Dallas
posted by Anonymous, at 3/03/2008 5:40 PM

Jamaica is finished as a country. The whole civilized world has come to accept gay people, but in Jamaica they are stuck in a third world mentality they will never come out of. It will only get worse for them because they are incapable of reason. It has been said here before and needs repeating, Jamaicans are no position to lecture of biblical morality when they don’t live it. Refraining from same sex relations does not a Christian make. There is a little more to it then that. Of course that would mean actually reading the bible while not stoned and then thinking for youself. Not likely to happen.

There are plenty of wonderful sunny places to vacation in the competitive travel world. Jamaica is not one of them. Let the boycott begin :)

This batty boy will watch the disinigration of Jamaica on my 50 inch TV screen in my luxurious high rise condominium while sipping fine champagne and laughing outloud at the justice of it all :)

Life is good.

ps
Don’t bore me about your childish visions of hell. You are already there. It is a hell of your own making. Enjoy
posted by Anonymous, at 3/03/2008 6:12 PM

To you jamaican guys writing. You might try reading a little history, and try thinking of something beyond how much you hate gay people.

Your ancestors were not born in jamaica, they were brought their as slaves by white people who quoted their bibles and were as sure as you that god liked slavery, and that enslaving black people was entirely within their rights becuase black people were inferior beings and god thought that this was a good idea.

Yet here you are, loudly proclaiming the rightness of your hate, and claiming that god agrees with you.

It ALWAYS amazes me how so many black people are so quick to jump onto the homophobia bandwagon, and how willing they are to cite their bibles as their rationalization.
posted by Anonymous, at 3/03/2008 6:25 PM

WOW!!!! I'm so amazed and shocked at some of these comments...I guess Jamaica is the "weakest" link so why not try and cripple it?!? I guess you gay advocates do not have the will or power to attack those in the Middle East or those within Europe..so why not Jamaica?!? I'm pretty sure Jamaicans are not the only ones that are Homophobic, it's all over North America, Europe, the Middle East..hell it's all over the world, but you only have strength for Jamaica..instead of name calling like pre-school kids and spurting racial insults, why not educate yourselves a little better, and try and do something a little more positive and constructive with your lives??? Don't go to Jamaica no one asked or begged you to vacation there, it's your choice, your free will. There's far more important matters at hand, like "WORLD HUNGER" "GLOBAL WARMING" "HOMELESS CHILDREN WORLD WIDE" "VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN, MEN, AND CHILD" "SENSELESS WAR". Each and everyone of you have proven your ignorance, now let's move on....
posted by Anonymous, at 3/03/2008 9:11 PM

lots of hate no Heart
Let's get together and bash those battys
As it was in the beginning (One hate)
So shall it be in the end (One Heart)
Give praise to the Lord and kill a fag
come to jamaca and lose your live

every body now
one...
posted by Anonymous, at 3/03/2008 9:57 PM

There's far more important matters at hand, like "WORLD HUNGER" "GLOBAL WARMING" "HOMELESS CHILDREN WORLD WIDE" "VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN, MEN, AND CHILD" "SENSELESS WAR".

Actually, no these are not more important issues. You can only believe they are if you believe gay lives are not worth as much as others. If you believe this, then fuck off and die you shit hole.

Let me make it clear. Your life is not worth more than that of a gay person. Judging by your ignorant comments, it is worth less. In fact, I'd like to take it, if given the opportunity in a dark ally.

Homophobia will end - if not by persuasion, then by force. But, mark my words, we will end it or die trying. The days of wantonly killing gays is going to end, whether you like it or not - savages. Gay bashing works both ways. Watch your backs, Jamaicans.

Mel - San Francisco
posted by Anonymous, at 3/03/2008 11:52 PM

1. Smoking weed is illegal in Jamaica. Unfortunately, gay-bashing is not.

2. It's not Jamaica itself. The island is full of stepping razors who want to make some trouble.

Blood From Machines
posted by Anonymous, at 3/04/2008 12:26 AM

The barbarians brought down Rome - and they will bring down the modern civilized world. Keep the Jamaicans in Jamaica and forbid these inferior scoundrels from setting foot in the U.S. They are obviously ignorant garbage.

These people have a gorgeous island, yet they are still poor...makes you wonder how they managed to turn such a gold mine into trash. The reason is their "culture" promotes hate and ignorance. This is why Jamaica has one of the highest murder rates in the world - gay or straight.

Only Jamaicans could fuck up something as nice as Jamaica. Shows you what happens when you don't shower and smoke weed all day while pounding bongos and practicing voodoo.

Nate
posted by Anonymous, at 3/04/2008 12:48 AM

Hello Jamaica guys:

You haven't posted since yesterday. I asked you to think about a particular question. I would really like to hear what you have to say.

Or maybe i'll just make something up for your answer.

"What was done to our ancestors was a great evil thing. That is very different from hating perverted sexuality."

My answer: your are very right. It is different in two ways.

1) Before, it was your group on the receiving end of bigotry, death, persecution, and oppression, all justified from a particular reading of some parts of the bible.

The difference is that now it's your group that's doing the oppressing, all justified from a particular reading of some parts of the bible.

2) The second difference between your perspective and mine? That you can convince yourselves that there ACTUALLY IS A DIFFERENCE.
posted by Anonymous, at 3/04/2008 12:39 PM

I guess our jamaican friends debate the same way they deal iwth homosexuality-- with the safety of anonymity and a crowd.
posted by Anonymous, at 3/04/2008 5:09 PM

Have you ever seen a Jamaican have the balls to attack a gay person one-one?

It is clear that Jamaicans are yellow. They are cowards and bullies who surround people who can't fight back. They don't fight with their hands - they use weapons against people without weapons.

It's hard to respect such pussies. It is hard to admire such scum. Gay Jamaicans - it is TIME to fight back. Buy weapons and make sure that gay-bashers pay a steep price.

Adam
posted by Anonymous, at 3/05/2008 12:34 AM

Okay - ENOUGH. I left all comments up to show that this topic struck a nerve. But, I am revolted by the violent rhetoric from both sides. What we need is not talk of violence, but more talk of mutual respect.

Let's take the high road and keep this debate civilized.

Thank You
posted by Wayne Besen, at 3/05/2008 11:46 AM

Thanks for keeping this post and all comments up here, Wayne!

When you look at it, the nutty Jamaicans posting here are no different than the Joseph Goebbels-plagiarizing "ex-gays".

And LOL @ Hurley in Texas. Thank you!! I'm with you on that! I live in TX too, and if somebody even so much as runs towards me as if they're going to attack, he will get shot.....several times. I don't care if he's Jamaican or white trash. All gays should get smart, and join their local Pink Pistols chapter ASAP.

Jamaicans bring up the whole "gays are immoral, read it in the bible" thing, but they totally skip over that other part, when they're acting like a bunch of heathen sluts (the men AND women).
posted by S., at 3/05/2008 12:21 PM

I'm completely disgusted with the entire lot of you, Jamaicans and Gays who have responded in a less than sensible manner.

Firstly, it is clear that the authur of the article has voiced his concerns and viewpoint on an issue that is completely subjective to him, ie he has voiced his opinions on the matter. As unfortunate as some of his postulations are however, they are just that, postulations/opinions etc. I'm not sure of where Mr. Besen has sourced his information (and I must point out the difference between information and facts), but it is disturbing to know that such an ugly idea of Jamaica and Jamaicans is being propagated, and supported.

I live in Jamaica, as opposed to having visited once or twice. Similarly to the fact that I am no authority on what happens in Texas/Oakland/Miami etc, none of you non-jamaicans are authorities on the realities in Jamaica as it regards our interaction with homosexuals... but within the context of this forum I am! The reality (and not the "truth", because it was once "true" that the world was flat) is that straight Jamaicans have very little to do with homosexuals. Mind you we are very much in opposition to the practice, but homosexuality is by no stretch of the imagination a pre-occupaytion of teh average Jamaican. If the matter is brought up, it will be discussed in passing, but then it's back to business. Our preoccupation with homosexuality is of similar intensity as America's preoccupation with the fact that for every hotel built to accomodate tourists in Jamaica, citizens lose access to approximately 50acres of Jamaica (and hence the point of economic tourism as a driving force behind the disintegration of the social contract). The point is, this issue exists, but much like Jamaicans and homosexuals, the world isnt that concerned. I will admit that there are those Jamaicans that misrepresent the masses, the Jamaicans you speak of, the the lowest decile. And due to media fanaticism (or simply the need to sell papers, win viewrs et)c, that is the group that is presented to the global audience as the faces and voices of Jamaica (is George Bush, his policies and his cronies the face and voice of America... if not, how is it that I've never seen a news cast abot Wayne Besen, or Ben from Oakland or Salie from maine... is it because you guys dont sell papers, or you are decimals in a much larger figure?). It is ridiculous to make such unfounded and uninformed generalisations in a medium such as this on a subject matter that in every way you are unqualified to speak on.

As for the Jamaicans that have commented on this blog, it is disheartening to be privy to the fact that there are Jamaicans void of the capacity to meaninfully contribute to a debate (because it is a debate, we just happen to be the opposition) in such a public forum. I am not Christian; I am not a drug user; I am not a "mindless savage" but i am in opposition with homosexuality..why... because it is simply not my sexual preference. I happen to preffer and enjoy a woman, and I'm incapable of understanding and thus appreciating a man's desire for another man, de facto for woman. My experienced defined understanding is that the same holds true for the vast majority of Jamaicans... It is unfortunate that they trivialise their position on the matter by attempting to justify their beliefs with something as flacid as christian scripture.

Many valid points have been raised in these posts, both by Jamaicans, and non-Jamaicans, homophobes and homosexuals, but I'm seeing where little or no merit is placed on them. Most important for me was the question of why is it considered backward that our nation is unwilling to accept homosexuality. I agree that violence is never justified, but in the same breath, as far as Jamaicans are concerned, homosexuality is never acceptable. Some would call our resilience the defence of our right to cultural sovereignty.

It should be clear that I am very much concerned with this issue, and your views. I hope that instead of finding some primitive way of "bashing" my post, you use this as a platform to retune the nature of the discussion and contructively debate your viewpoints on the topic. It must however be said, that contrary to your suggestionsa nations wealth, be it Jamaica's or any other, can never be reduced to economics, that is a misconception of the want to be global managers. A country's wealth lies in the mosaic of culture, ecology, community, resources etc that cannot be equated with monetary value. An in this context, if the price of retaining our social and cultural fabric and wealth, is the loss of American printed dollars, which cannot buy back our poluted beaches, which cannot buy back our depleting natural resources, which cannot buy back our displaced agroeconomy (due to dumping) which cannot buy back our social contract (shreaded by the IMF and World Bank aka US pulled strings), which cannot buy back independence from America (which is enslaving us through their other string the WTO), that cannot buy back our collective sovereign rights, then so be it. As one of the anonymous responses said, ther are other destinations that are not as concerned with their cultural integrity as we are.
posted by Anonymous, at 3/11/2008 1:41 PM

tpinews.com: "Jamaica has anti-sodomy laws and gay sex is punishable with up to 10 years in jail. At the same time, the crime rate is skyrocketing on the Caribbean island. Over 1440 people have been killed since the beginning of 2007 and the country could match its record of nearly 1,700 murders in 2005.

"In this context, violence against gay people is a common occurrence. In June 2004, Brian Williamson, a gay rights activist, was brutally murdered. A 25-year-old man is currently serving a life sentence for the murder, whose motive was officially given as robbery. But supporters of Mr. Williamson, 59, say he was stabbed with a machete at least 70 times and talk about a hate crime.

"In 2004, a gay teenager survived a lynching at school by a mob invited by the father of the boy. In December 2005, Lenford Harvey, a gay activist who ran Jamaica AIDS Support for Life, was also killed. In April 2007, a cross-dresser was beaten up in broad daylight by a mob at a bus stop in Falmouth, a town in Western Jamaica."

picture for story below: http://tinyurl.com/2jyyww

channel4.com:
"02 Feb 2008
Jamaican authorities have been urged to stamp out anti-gay violence after one man disappeared and is presumed dead, and another (possibly two) was severely injured in a recent mob attack.

"A group of about 20 people in the central mountain town of Mandeville threw bottles at the men's home, broke down the door and attacked them (with machetes, when the police didn't show up for 90 minutes) on January 29.

"The group chased one man while the other had his left ear severed, his arm broken in two places and his spine possibly damaged."

“Roving mobs attacking innocent people and staining the streets with blood should shame the nation’s leaders,” said Scott Long, director of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Rights Program at Human Rights Watch. “Gays and lesbians in Jamaica face violence at home, in public, even in a house of worship, and official silence encourages the spread of hate.”

"Easter Sunday, April 8, 2007. Approximately 100 men gathered outside a church where 150 people were attending the funeral of a gay man. According to mourners, the crowd broke the windows with bottles and shouted, “We want no battyman funeral here. Leave or else we’re going to kill you. We don’t want no battyman buried here in Mandeville.” Several mourners inside the church called the police to request protection. After half an hour, three police officers arrived.

"But instead of protecting the mourners, police socialized with the mob, laughing along at the situation. A highway patrol car subsequently arrived, and one of the highway patrol officers reportedly told the churchgoers, “It’s full time this needs to happen. Enough of you guys.” The highway patrol officers then drove off. The remaining officers at the scene refused to intervene when the mob threatened the mourners with sticks, stones, and batons as they tried to leave the service. Only when several gay men among the mourners took knives from their cars for self-defense did police reportedly take action by firing their guns into the air. Officers stopped gay men from leaving and searched their vehicles, but did not restrain or detain members of the mob."

Video of Miami protest of Jamaican attacks (one attacked was an MCC church member and Christian and Jewish church leaders may boycott) Video: http://tinyurl.com/2vulgj

"On April 2, 2007, a crowd in Montego Bay attacked three men alleged to be gay who were attending a carnival. The men took to a stage to dance during the revelry, but the mob began throwing bottles and stones at them. Witnesses said the crowd chased the men down the street, slashed one man with knives and beat him with a manhole cover. According to local press reports, at least 30 or 40 people beat another man as he sought refuge in a bar, tearing his clothes from him and striking him as he bled severely from a head wound."

"On February 14, 2007, a mob in Kingston attacked four men, including the co-chair of the Jamaica Forum for Lesbians, All-Sexuals and Gays (JFLAG). The men took refuge in a store in Tropical Plaza on Constant Spring Road in Kingston, while a crowd of at least 200 people gathered outside, calling for the men to be beaten to death because they were gay. The men called local police, as well as Human Rights Watch. When officers arrived, instead of protecting them, they verbally abused the victims, calling them “nasty battymen,” and struck one in the face, head, and stomach. They took the men to Halfway Tree Police Station in Kingston, but refused to take their complaints and ordered them never to return to the station."

Same story as reported in Jamaican paper: "Three men branded as gay were rescued by police after being confined inside a pharmacy in St. Andrew, Jamaica, for an hour, the Jamaica Observer reported Thursday.

"The 2,000-person (200? must be a typo, see version above) mob cornered the trio into the Monarch Pharmacy in Tropical Square. When police arrived, the group was resistant, the Observer reported. When authorities attempted to extricate the three from the pharmacy to a police vehicle, one of the men was hit in the back of the head with a rock thrown from the crowd. Police were forced to use tear gas to disperse the angry, shouting mob, which included children.

"Jamaica Star columnist Leighton Levy praised the police response and expressed relief that the men were not injured.

"The last thing we needed was for a mob to be beating three suspected homosexuals perhaps to death -- not with the Cricket World Cup less than a month away," Levy wrote."

Jamaica Gleaner Sat, 23 Feb 2008:
"Although Jamaica is considered the most politically tolerant among several countries in the region, most Jamaicans would not support a known homosexual running for public office.

---

PlanetOut Network
Friday, December 2, 2005:

"On the eve of World AIDS Day, one of Jamaica's best-known AIDS activists was murdered in an apparent anti-gay attack.

"Steve Harvey, an openly gay 30-year-old, and his two roommates were home when Jamaican police say at least four armed gunmen broke into their house.

"The men demanded money and took several valuables from the home. According to Christian Aid, an organization that worked with Harvey, one of the men said to Harvey and his roommates, "We hear you are gay." The roommates allegedly denied the accusation. Harvey remained silent.

"The gunmen tied up the two roommates and abducted Harvey, driving him away in his company car. Jamaican police said they found Harvey's body in a rural area, miles from his home. There were gunshot wounds to his head and back.

"Harvey ran a support program for gay and transgender people who had HIV/AIDS. He worked for an organization called Jamaican AIDS Support for Life since 1997, but had been a leader in the AIDS community for over a decade. On Sunday, Harvey led Jamaican AIDS Support for Life's annual candlelight vigil held in honor of people with AIDS who have died.

"Activists say Harvey's death speaks to the larger problem of violence toward gay people who live in in Jamaica, where gay sex is still illegal and punishable with up to 10 years in jail. Human rights groups say anti-gay violence is rampant in that country.

"Harvey is not the first openly gay man to be killed in Jamaica. Last year, Brian Williamson, one of the country's most vocal gay rights activists, was murdered. Jamaican reggae star Buju Banton and two others face assault charges involving an attack on six gay men this year. Fellow activists say working with the gay community, particularly if someone is openly gay, takes real courage.

"Steve Harvey was a person of extraordinary bravery and integrity, who worked tirelessly to ensure that some of Jamaica's most marginalized people had the tools and information to protect themselves from HIV/AIDS," said Rebecca Schleiffer, a researcher for Human Rights Watch and the author of a recent report on anti-gay violence and HIV/AIDS.

"Steve Harvey's death is an enormous loss, but it is essential that his murder does not succeed in intimidating other human rights workers," Schleiffer said. "It is vital that the Jamaican government condemns this brutal crime and brings the perpetrators to justice."

(They have done neither.)

---

"Amnesty International condemns these attacks and calls on the Jamaican authorities to ensure that a full and impartial investigation of the above-mentioned cases takes place, in compliance with its international obligations stated in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and in the American Convention on Human Rights, the group said in a written statement."

(It has not done so.)

"In 2007, Human Rights Watch wrote to then-Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller and Peter Phillips, minister of national security, calling for an investigation into all the reported violence, as well as protection of witnesses from threats or reprisals. Human Rights Watch has received no response from the government to any of this correspondence."

---

"The homophobic climate has been exacerbated by the enduring popularity of "murder music" produced by unrepentant artists such Buju Banton, Beenie Man, Vybz Kartel, Elephant Man, Sizzla, Capleton, T.O.K. and Shabba Ranks.

"An agreement to stop anti-gay lyrics during live performances and not to produce any new anti-gay material or re-release offending songs was reached in the United Kingdom in February 2005 between dancehall record labels and organizations opposed to anti-gay murder lyrics, including the UK groups OutRage! and Stop Murder Music Coalition.

"Simultaneously, black gay bloggers in the United States have led an awareness campaign against homophobic artists, and activists have pressured nightclubs in several U.S. cities into canceling their concerts."

(The Jamaica boycott infrastructure is already in place, the boycott will be successful even if it lasts for years, and it will involve much more than just the U.S.A.)

Jamaica's gay-haters are empty-headed cowards. With a severe drop in incoming tourism dollars from the world, Jamaica's economy will be easy to crush underfoot.
posted by Anonymous, at 3/11/2008 10:54 PM

Damion: So basically what you are saying is the Jamaica is a mess, and that hating a group of people who have done them no harm will help them to maintain their cultural integrity.

I've been to jamaica. lovely place, and the people we met were nice to us. would they have been if they knew we were gay?

I'm not sure where those two items connect, or how like in conservative Chrisitianity, hating gay people has somehow become a core tenet, justifying, in Jamaica's case, mob violence, murder, etc. Those are not Christian values, and if they are a part of your "cultural integrity", and if they are, then your culture is just one more that it is not making the world a better place to live.

I don't care particularly about "crushing" jamaica, but i won't spend my money there. Or any islamic country. (I don't even like the idea of oging to a homo-bigot southern state.) I will not spend my money in those countries, and I will encourage people i know not to do so either

But here's my first question for you. Most of jamaica is poor. most of Jamaica services the tourist industry. where's all that money going? What part of your cultural integrity supports this or is responsible for this?

This is an expanded version of something i wrote in an earlier posting:

It always amazes me how quickly some black people, especially black ministers, are willing to jump on the homophobia bandwagon-- and how willing they are to cite their bibles as their rationalization. I do not equate the horror of slavery with what is done to gay people on a daily basis, but they are both certainly evil. Your ancestors were not born in the New World, they were brought their as slaves by white people who quoted their bibles and were as sure as it was possible to be that God liked slavery, and that enslaving black people was entirely within their rights because black people were inferior beings and God thought that this was a good idea.
Yet here you are, loudly proclaiming the rightness of your hate, that God agrees with this, that this is somehow a good idea. And I'm sure you cite your bible as your reason. Sound familiar?

Here's my question to you as a black minister: with 300 years of oppression, discrimination, hatred, slavery and murder behind you, why do you think your homo-hatred is OK?

Or maybe I'll just make something up for your answer. "What was done to our ancestors was a great evil thing. That is very different from hating perverted sexuality."

My answer: your are very right. It is different in two ways.

1) Before, it was your group on the receiving end of bigotry, persecution, and oppression, all justified from a particular reading of some parts of the bible. The difference is that now it's your group that's doing the oppressing, all justified from a particular reading of some parts of the bible.

2) The second difference between your perspective and mine? That you can convince yourself that there ACTUALLY IS A DIFFERENCE.

Black women have, I believe, the highest rate of HIV infection, primarily due, I think, to down-low men who have unsafe sex with other men and then pass their diseases first to their wives, and then to their unborn children. So black women are dying for the sake of a black pastor's certainty in his homo-hatred. More could be done for the black family by supporting gay people in their quest to end this stupid prejudice than any amount of posturing and constitutional amendments could EVER hope to accomplish.

Think about it.
posted by Anonymous, at 3/12/2008 2:01 PM

I believe, as Jamaicans, we should continue to exercise our beliefs.

Homosexually is an abomination to humanity and God. It is a crime to humanity and should be punished as any other such sin (infidelity, sex before marriage, etc). It is not for me to judge how one should or should not live their life. However, if they choose to live their lives that way, keep it to themselves. Dont try to force it upon me; for me to "tolerate" the lifestyle "they" have chosen.

This article will not make a difference and Jamaica will continue to strive as one of the world's top vacation spots. I just returned yesterday and it is still my beautiful little island in the sun, still my paradise.
posted by Anonymous, at 3/31/2008 11:20 AM

ALL i have to say is battymanism is wrong, it is a sin , in the bible god destroyed sadom and gomarroh because of the same thing and he'll do it again.
posted by Anonymous, at 3/31/2008 6:20 PM

Violence mars carnival celebrations - Cop and reveller injured in anti-gay incident

The men were allegedly gyrating and wining on each other and this angered spectators who started to stone them. Police, in an attempt to prevent any further incident, placed four of the men into a police bus which was working at the festivities. However, this did not stop the spectators from continuing to attack the men. Someone threw a stone through the window of the bus, shattering one of the windows and cutting the hand of a corporal who was also in the bus.

''I personally support the beating, they were lucky to still be alive after that incident, they didnt meet the reeeal jamaican thuggist. Bum -by- by inna batty boy head.''
posted by Anonymous, at 4/01/2008 9:34 AM

i see most of u guys posting how Jamaicans are savages and we are ignorant and we are this and that and on top of it yall talking what you would do to us n shit but all u fools jus runnin off yall motha fuckin mouths! cuz jus like how we beat dem bitches wid bottles and all dat fuckery, dats d same fuckin ting we wud do to any of u fuckin idiots! all mouth n wen its time to deliver yall wud b lil pussies n beg for ur bloodclaat life! n for all u gay niggas jus remember dat dick to ass dnt bring forth no life so dats one of the many reasons y we jamaicans bun out all u stinkin asses! gays r disgusting and shud b rid from dis earth but i personally will leave dat to d almighty cuz i am not goin to jail for none of u filthy, low down pussy oles!! so yes let mi say it b4 anybody else, i am one of those crazy ass jamaicans dat yall bitches speak about n remember dat netime ur stupid enough to violate a jamaican wen u c us remember u will get annihilate.
"mi buss mi gun dem wen eva mi like any bloodclatt day or night mi feel like
cuz a no bwoy own a my own di whole a dem. Mi nuh need no permission........"

SHERRY
posted by Anonymous, at 4/01/2008 9:58 PM

Some Jamaicans are really ignorant, because they become gays.As a minister I would like to make it clear that the Bible called gays DOGS. We didnt make the rules, God did. When Lot offered his daughters to the men they cursed him and went to other men. It was the down fall of Sodom and Gomarroh. Americans use every chance they get to kill the ganja plants in Jamaica.So dont talk about ganja den. The Bible made no comments on Rasta or Ganja. Think about it. People sexual preference is still their own as long as you keep it in your bedroom. Its public affairs when b-----men are chasing prostitutes off public streets. All B-----men must BURN.

Angel ANN
posted by Anonymous, at 4/02/2008 12:31 AM

All I would like to know is who died and made homosexuals gods why the jamaican society should bow down and accept something that has always been and will always be unacceptable to them. Just who the hell appointed you sons-a-bitches the role of telling Jamaicans what they should and should not believe in. or is it that freedom of thought and freedom of choice are expected to go flying out the window along with morality as far as you "gay activists" are concerned. take a little advise from a local...never try to force a person to do something they dont want to do especially if it is not beneficial to them in any way. jamaicans don't accept homosexuality and that is that. But once again it boils down to Americans trying to use their power to bully smaller countries into swallowing whatever it is you are trying to shove down their throats
posted by Anonymous, at 6/17/2008 4:15 PM

I don't believe homosexuality is acceptable any more than I believe paedophilia is acceptable. I am sorry if my personal beliefs offend anyone. Just because something feels natural to you doesn’t mean it is right. That said I don’t condone violence against anyone. That’s why we have laws that say clearly what is considered unacceptable and what are appropriate punishments. But please don’t expect me to accept you because you feel you are just being ‘true to yourself’. To do so would mean that I would be untrue to myself and my beliefs. A gay person will have from me the respect I would give to any person but I will never respect his lifestyle. So preach against violence to Gays but don’t presume to tell me it’s natural and I must accept it. Biology alone tells me no.
posted by Anonymous, at 6/17/2008 5:20 PM

Jamaicans aren't ignorant savages, nor do we all smoke weed.

Believe it or not, most Jamaicans are not violent towards homosexuals. Violence towards anyone is unacceptable and punishable by law even in this little 'savage' island of ours.

It is a fact that generally we do not accept certain lifestyle choices as normal, but why should we have outsiders dictate how we live?

Gay people exist, but why should Jamaica be forced to allow them to parade around like they aren't the exception to the norm?

Jamaica is visited by gay tourists each year. If you feel uncomfortable travelling to Jamaica because you're gay - go somewhere else. It is that simple.

Even if the law is changed, the mindset of Jamaicans who find homosexuality abhorrent will not. Hate crimes fuelled by racism still take place in the United States and other parts of the world, so why focus on Jamaica? Is it because we are a small island nation that we should bow to pressure?

Clean up the mess in you own backyard before you start looking over into the neighbour’s yard!
posted by Unknown, at 6/17/2008 6:37 PM

look a lot of you people talk about jamaica jamaica is a small island at least most of us here are able to walk down the streets with out worrying about been bombed your all talking about homos so what we prefer to fuck pussy than batty and lets be real we don't have much problems with lesbians just BATTY BOYS the Ass was made for shitting not fucking and sucking so if we prefer pussy more power to us so stay home were all good we can fly any where and feel safe about it at least we don't have to worry about other country trying to fuck us up oh and lets be real most of you on this site are broke motherfuckers anyway some of you work all your life and fuck every one you can to scrape a buck so shut the fuck up and clean up your self as for racist this is the one place in the world your colour doesn't matter so fuck off....
posted by Anonymous, at 6/17/2008 6:54 PM

I agree with the middle east kill all batty boy if god wanted man to fuck man he wouldn't have made eve.
You don't like go to barbados they love batty boys
posted by Anonymous, at 6/17/2008 7:06 PM

Thats right we Jamaicans shouldnt be forced to accept your life stlyes, keep it to your self.I do not support voilence.
Tom F*** off, If you think all Jamaicans are scum you batty boys are all lower than the dog shit on the ground.
Adam and Eve not Adam and Steve.
We will still survive without you!!!
posted by Anonymous, at 6/17/2008 7:52 PM

wow, americans need to actually think about who they are talking to.

obviously the persons speaking on this dont actually know anything about jamaica.

he needs to speak more about his kkk clans who stil roun arnd preeching the hitler legacy, whos holocaust killed and captured thousands. In a far worse manner.

now i do agree, jamaicans are a bit primitive in throwing stones and beating homosexuals. That makes jamaica look bad as a country.

The bible did say though shalt not kill but keep in mind that god also burnt a town full of saddamites.

so basically the same religion ur using to protect homosexuals is the same religion that hates homosexuals. get ur facts straight.

i will never understand homosexuals, no one will. Science is stil unable to find why ppl are gay. And in todays world. ppl hate what they cant understand.

alot of jamaican behavior comes from africa. it is our heritage, which is good and bad. alot of jamaicans stil follow their ancestors.

Americans arent any better, they are stil trying to rule the world believing in white supremacy and all that shit, busy at work while some black guy ravages their white wife.

i hope the ignorant jamaican haters dont continue their babble abt how much they hate jamaica.

and hear this now. jamaica served with you during ur battles and wars.

its funny how americans are because they think they are the shit.

MILITARY

Jamaican membership in the U.S. Armed Forces began during World War I and continued during World War II. Jamaicans both in America and on the island were recruited for service in Europe and some of them were stationed at U.S. bases in the region. Since then, Jamaican Americans have worked in many different wings of the Armed Forces. During the Gulf War, the Head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Colin Powell (born in New York City in 1937) was recognized as the America's most eminent second-generation Jamaican American. He served his country in the Armed Forces with academic and political distinction. He became a household name under the Bush administration and earned the admiration and respect of the nation; Random House paid the retired four-star general $6.5 million to publish his memoirs.

SOURCES FOR ADDITIONAL STUDY

Alleyne, Mervyn C. Roots of Jamaican Culture. London: Pluto Press, 1988.

Barrett, Leonard E. The Rastafarians. Boston: Beacon Press, 1997.

Campbell, Marvis C. The Maroons of Jamaica 1655-1796: A History of Resistance, Collaboration and Betrayal. Massachusetts: Bergin & Publishers Inc., 1988.

Carty, Hilary S. Folk Dances of Jamaica: An Insight. London: Dance Books, 1988.

Kessner, Thomas, and Betty Boyd Caroli. Today's Immigrants: Their Stories; A New Look at the Newest Americans. New York: Oxford University Press, 1982.

Luntta, Karl. Jamaica Handbook. California: Moon Publications, 1991.

nex time you come to the table. bring some good shit.
posted by Anonymous, at 6/18/2008 12:10 AM

To bash someone for standing up for what they believe in is wrong. It is going against the right to have freedom of speech. Now I know that we r at times extreme in our stance against such lifestyles. Violence is wrong and I wouldnt condone with any acts of violence against have human being. Everyone has the right to choose to live how they want to but buggary is against the law. So if someone wants to come to our country and break the law and not b punished well that wont work.
posted by glen, at 6/18/2008 9:19 AM

Its quite clear that homosexuality is not a norm and try as they might, homosexuals will have a hard time convincing Jamaicans otherwise. It is the homosexuals who are savage because if they can withstand having sex in someone's ass with that horrid smell and remnants of the last trip to the bathroom, then it doesnt say much about how civilized they are.
In our country homosexuality is illegal and should be punished.
posted by Anonymous, at 6/18/2008 9:31 AM

All Jamaicans are not gay bashers. We are no different from any other nation with our views on Gay people. Gay’s deviate from what is considered to be normal behaviour in a society. Why don’t you Gay’s go form your own country so you can all live in harmony with each other. You all are so intent on shoving your sexually down decent people throats, we are just simply not interested in accepting your way of life. Get over it. I don’t advocate violence on gays, but I would like them to keep their indecent behaviour to themselves. Stop trying to think that you can convert other people. Stop harassing straight people. If a gay man makes a pass at me I will knock him out.
posted by Anonymous, at 6/18/2008 10:45 AM

You all bash Jamaica and it's culture. Regarding violence in the inner cities, there is much work to be done. But are there not laws, cultural practices and beliefs in America or other countries in the world that are outright ignorant? Isn't pot illegal in America, but legal in many other parts of the world? Isn't homosexual rights a constant subject of debate in the US? What about family values? Is it OK for the Europeans to continue to rape Africa the way they have been for centuries now?

Someone as concerned as homowayne should be more focussed on real issues affecting the world and our mindsets rather than selectively choosing one third world country to pick on. Typical.

Jamaica do not try to influence the rest of the world with their way of life. I believe the rest of the world should not try to influence Jamaica with theirs. If you wanna go there, you are always welcome. If you do not want to, that is your damn business. Nobody needs to know why. Boycott? Bring it.

Whop

P.S. Wayne, maybe you & I should visit together. Jerk!!
posted by Anonymous, at 6/18/2008 12:42 PM

Firstly Ken, your English Language re "spelling" is definitely atrocious and your point is obscured by this, which make your argument incomprehensible.

The people of my country is entitled to their own likes and dislikes. I think homosexuals boycotting our country is exactly what we want, so what is this site about...........uh? Please do us the favour/favor. From the language used in most of the comments, I depict low class humans.

Beatings take place all over the world, I dont see anyone putting up a site to address this. Mostly, homosexuals always end their sour relationships indescribably violent.

For the record, I am against beatings or any violent action taken against any human. Beatings normally take place because, the people of my country truly and genuinely finds the act abominable when administered publicly. There is never a situation where the people rip someone's private abode and administer beatings.

"Jamica", come on.

Serious Jamaican Vanessa
posted by Anonymous, at 6/19/2008 11:35 AM

To Wayne Besen and all the other insignificant homos that have found it necessary to refer to Jamaicans as "SAVAGES" on this little site, here is a suggestion for you....visit our beautiful little island and put together an " acceptance of gays march" so that all the "savages" can come out and give you their full support. Or better yet, why don't you create a site much like this one insisting that your country give asylum to all the homosexuals living in Jamaica so that you can keep them safe from the "savages", we won't mind. Then you won't have to spend your days worrying about all the homos in Jamaica at risk of being beaten or killed cause you'll have them all there with you, safe and sound.

p.s. If this forcing of gay acceptance on the Jamaican society is a quest to create a quaint little gay tropical paradise where you can come and "pack fudge" anytime you feel like you can forget it...WE WILL NEVER ACCEPT YOUR LIFESTYLE.
posted by Anonymous, at 6/19/2008 12:56 PM

Wayne Benson and all the other faggots on this site lets do this the easy way just imagine Jamaica as America's army no homo/ faggots/ batty boys/lesbains allowed and if your enlisted keep it to your self right! So Jamaica is a army the same policy applies. Don't think of it as just another country think of it as a paradise where only soilders live. So all army rule for homosexuality applies.
posted by Anonymous, at 6/19/2008 2:13 PM

all you people who are trying to transform jamaica into a gay world we have enough crime dealing with already please we don't want to add anymore sin to our little island we want to focus on solving our murder rate please keep your battymanism where you are comfortable with it. We dont want or need it here
posted by Anonymous, at 6/19/2008 2:28 PM

I've never supported the beating or killing of homosexuals. However, the set that organized this site deserve a good beating! Remember that at the end of the day you are all accountable to a very homophobic God! Big Up Jamaica!
posted by Anonymous, at 6/19/2008 4:18 PM

Wayne Besen, I have not seen any update from you, We will not retreat but unite in Jamaica, will not be forced to accept any lifestyle that we think is not socially acceptable.

I hope you are using the time to reflect on yourself and stop trying to force your beliefs on others.
posted by Anonymous, at 6/21/2008 9:04 PM

Is it safe for us to assume that the developer of this site thought Jamaicans to be illiterate savages, whom would not have an intelligent opinion on his nothing short of ridiculous request to boycott their beautiful island. Is it safe to assume that your failure to make any additional comments on your site is an indication that you and your band of semi-literate red neck, homosexual followers have been given a wake up call to the reality that Jamaicans are not only civil and quite literate, but also quite determined in their drive to maintain a certain level of morality on their small Island. In your original post you had so much to say...where has that fire gone?....OUT?...Please feel free to give us your opinion on our comments, failing which maybe you should just close down the site being as right now it's just a waste of internet space.
posted by Anonymous, at 6/25/2008 1:36 PM

***ITS SIMPLE!! JUST DONT GO THERE IF YOU ARE GAY WE DONT WANT YOU HERE ***THERES NOTHING TO DO FOR YA HERE ANYWAYS*** ITS SO SAVAGE REMEMBER***
posted by Anonymous, at 8/05/2008 11:44 AM

"Sally's" comment about religion was very ignorant, sick, and wrong. Did I mention ignorant? I just LOVE how people pretend to know everything about nothing.

And about gay people in Jamaica. I'm Jamaican and I can't believe the horrible insults coming out of some of your mouths.

I do not believe the lifestyle is right but that does not mean people should be murdered for it. And you're right, they suddenly seem to remember the Bible when it comes to homosexuality, but forget how they beat their wives at home. They're no better, if not the worst.

Of course gay people should be protected, but as humans with equal human rights, not no "special gay rights." Travel where you want, but I don't like the idea of letting innocent Jamaicans suffer because of these misguided, violent individuals. We already have enough trouble without you're help "bringing us to our knees."

And no, we do not need "sensitivity training." Sensitivity is good, but not the emasculating brand they like to sell in the liberal US. Keep it off my island, please.

-Taz
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posted by Charmingirl, at 11/02/2008 9:37 PM

I am a Jamaican(pround one too) am not homophobic. I believe what two consenting adults do in the privacy of their bedrooms is their business but please dont force it on me. As I read the blog I just wondered if I should use these comments from these few gays to surmise that all gays are angry, revengeful people just as you are using the few homophobic Jamaicans to judge a whole nation. God bless you all. Love wi a deal wid. No problem man.
posted by sandylovely, at 4/03/2009 1:27 PM

p.s. I meant proud Jamaica not pround
posted by sandylovely, at 4/03/2009 1:29 PM

Ok, stop.

I am a straight Jamaican. I do not smoke marijuana, nor do I practice voodoo, not do I play the bongo. I live in a nice house, with a BMW in the driveway.

IT is not your position to force your opinion on lawmakers of a country. So please, stop this nonsense.
posted by Unknown, at 4/13/2009 5:01 PM

I am jamaican and i find this rather offensive, "Ganja Den"? where are your facts that we smoke more marijuana than americans? i know where, you hypocrites assume we are all rastafarians and have to use "weed" as a religious practice. Also you can't force people to accept something that is wrong to them, in which they grew up knowing was wrong(we grow up with a mom,dad or mom & dad in the house). Maybe in a couple years the beatings will stop but we will never accept the gay community. We may be treat them as equals one day but we will never support it. Our society is not the crippled one, Yours is! God created Adam & EVE! a woman, he never intended for two men or two women to be together, Also that comment about we only find religion when it comes to homosexuality, if u did your research you would know that Jamaica mainly consists of churches. Maybe if you were not a stereotype and actually come down here you would see facts for yourself.
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posted by Anonymous, at 1/06/2010 9:34 AM

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posted by Anonymous, at 9/05/2011 7:14 AM

You just mad you can't suck on or get it in your rear by a jamaican
posted by PLIZ, at 8/29/2012 9:35 AM

You should start with yourself, you have a lot of hate for a island, you don't know about! That's mental, like Homos
posted by PLIZ, at 8/29/2012 9:39 AM

I second; the bible doesn't say you can't have a sex-feuled island , it dose say " if a man lays down with a man like how he lays with a woman, he shall be put to death!
posted by PLIZ, at 8/29/2012 9:45 AM