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Wayne Besen
PO Box 25491
Brooklyn, NY 11202
I have long been outspoken on the abuses of GLBT people in Jamaica and the need for action. I can't imagine why any American, European or Canadian who cares about human rights would spend a dime visiting this island bubbling over with hate. Last week, Jamaica's Prime Minister, Bruce Golding, firmly stated how he approved of the persecution of gay people. He stated that gay rights groups are "perhaps the most organized lobby in the world" and he vowed to fight to keep the nation's sodomy law on the books.
"We are not going to yield to the pressure, whether that pressure comes from individual organizations, individuals, whether that pressure comes from foreign governments or groups of countries, to liberalize the laws as it relates to buggery," said Golding.
Timothy Kincaid at Box Turtle Bulletin wrote an excellent piece describing the abuses in Jamaica.
Personally, I've had enough of the prejudice and persecution. Golding's comments are one step too far. It boils my blood when our straight friends (and uninformed GLBT people) continue to travel and spend money in Jamaica. There are thousands of people, if they knew the truth, who would not visit a place more accurately described as "Ja-Murder."
Today, I went Internet shopping and purchased www.BoycottJamaica.org. I'm not yet sure if I want to launch a full-fledged boycott. But, it is nice to know I have this site in my back pocket and can take action against this nation that seems to have a unique and disturbing - if not psychotic - antipathy towards GLBT people.
It is worth mentioning that the local gay Jamaican group is against a boycott. I take their opposition very seriously. But, to tell you the truth, what else would one expect from them? If they supported a boycott they would be labeled unpatriotic and turned into scapegoats. And, from their public statements, they sound like hostages reading from a script. Do they have any choice but to publicly reject a boycott?
For years, we have heard that if we just keep quiet about this issue, things will get better. But, they haven't. Sometimes, direct action is needed to make change.
I would appreciate the thoughts of my readers.
Finally, a word to the Jamaican government. If Truth Wins Out elects to launch a boycott, we plan to succeed. Please don't underestimate our commitment and resolve.
14 Comments:
One thing you could use the Boycott Jamaica site for is to find sponsors for GBLTQ Jamaicans who wish to escape, and to connect business seeking to invest in the region, with more human rights minded islands and countries.
posted by Friend of Jonathan, at
3/08/2009 4:51 PM
I always practice "word of mouth" when the topic of Jamaica comes up. It is necessary.
posted by Spouse Walker, at
3/09/2009 12:51 AM
Go for it and bring up the site. When people's lives are at stake, as they are in Jamaica, action needs to be taken now.
posted by Tom, at
3/09/2009 3:21 PM
I think a boycott of Jamaica is long overdue. If they were persectuting any other minority such as Jews there'd be non-stop outrage.
posted by Priya Lynn, at
3/10/2009 4:34 PM
