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Law to protect gays, lesbians
Published on: 11/26/2009.
GAYS, LESBIANS and transvestites will be protected under domestic violence legislation.
Minister of Family, Youth and Sports, Esther Byer-Suckoo gave this assurance during yesterday's public outreach activity at Cave Shepherd's, Broad Street, marking the International Day For The Elimination Of Violence Against Women and recognition of the 16 Days Of Activism Against Gender Violence Campaign.
Byer-Suckoo said domestic violence was complex and involved heterosexual men and transvestites, people operating outside traditionally assigned gender roles, and the matter boiled down to human rights.
"The law is there to protect all of us when our human rights have been infringed, but still we find that domestic violence isn't treated as a serious enough crime," she said.
"We realise there's not only violence against women but also violence against men and then also those persons who are transgender are also subjected to serious violence.
"Regardless of our personal views towards transgenders, it's about respect for a person's life," she said.
"In preparing the legislation one thing we are aware of is that legislation cannot be gender-biased; that is a case for all the legislation the Ministry of Family is addressing. It can no longer be gender-biased."
"We have to take into account the realities of the situation. Right now we have seen violence, with men against men in homosexual relationships, women against women [and other] transgender issues.
"The law has to protect all its citizens. If we're amending legislation or drafting new legislation we have to take into consideration the nuances of the environment in which we live today," Byer-Suckoo said, condemning homophobic violence.
Director of the Bureau of Gender Affairs, John Hollingsworth, agreed that very few homosexuals and transvestites came out to report incidents of domestic violence as they were doubly stigmatised as being gay and battered. (MS)
36 comment found!
Proud Bajan Lesbian : 12/28/2009
I'm really proud that we are protected under this legislation. Its about time that LGBT folks be acknowledged within the Caribbean community.
Homosexuality is not wrong, just as heterosexuality is not wrong. God created us all unique and different. Stop taking his word out of context and start thinking for yourself. Look and see what God originally said and not what man translates it to say.
TO THE REAL STONE AGE POSTER : 11/29/2009
Homosexuality is wrong!
Satanism is based on fear.
Satanism preys on the innocent, gullible and disillusioned.
Satanism is based on dishonesty, lies and deception. After all, it’s founder was a liar from the beginning.
Satanism is extremely egocentric. (“I shall ascend into Heaven and be like the Most High God”)
Satanism breeds arrogance because it challenges the perfect, Creator GOD.
Satanism is cruel. It uses the subscriber, and then dumps him/her.
Satanism is anti-intellectual, anti-scientific.
Satanism has a morbid, unhealthy preoccupation with sex, violence and human sacrifice.
Sin produces sexual misery. (STDs etc.)
Satanism has an exceedingly broad, “catch all” view of morality.
Satanism encourages acceptance of real evils, while sugar-coating others to make them appear appealing.
Sin depreciates the natural world.
Satanism models hierarchical, authoritarian organization.
Satanism sanctions slavery.
Satanism is misogynistic.
Satanism is homophobic.
The Bible is the only reliable guide to Christ’s teachings because it is GOD-breathed.
The Bible, Christianity’s basic text, shows man his contradictions.
Religion borrowed its central myths and ceremonies from other ancient religions, most of all pagan. Religion is man’s feeble attempt to reach a perfect and pure GOD. Christianity is GOD’s sending His Son out of love, to pave the way for sinful man to be reconciled to Himself.
Ask GOD to remove the spiritual scales from your eyes, ask Jesus to save your soul from eternal damnation, read your Bible often and you will see the light. This way, you won’t be writing hate-filled rubbish about Christians and Christianity anymore.
Stone age remarks : 11/29/2009
Such backward feeble minded stone age remarks from people here are a classic fear response from right wing Christians who live a small sad life in fear of the unknown. How sad small minded you are, educate yourselves and see the world and don't let your brain be twisted by religion.Homosexuality is not wrong!
Christianity is based on fear.
Christianity preys on the innocent.
Christianity is based on dishonesty.
Christianity is extremely egocentric.
Christianity breeds arrogance, a chosen-people mentality.
Christianity is cruel.
Christianity is anti-intellectual, anti-scientific.
Christianity has a morbid, unhealthy preoccupation with sex.
Christianity produces sexual misery.
Christianity has an exceedingly narrow, legalistic view of morality.
Christianity encourages acceptance of real evils while focusing on imaginary evils.
Christianity depreciates the natural world.
Christianity models hierarchical, authoritarian organization.
Christianity sanctions slavery.
Christianity is misogynistic.
Christianity is homophobic.
The Bible is not a reliable guide to Christ’s teachings.
The Bible, Christianity’s basic text, is riddled with contradictions.
Christianity borrowed its central myths and ceremonies from other ancient religions most of all pagan.
hi : 11/27/2009
very much dessapointment for regural couples, to hear those insidents of opposite sex attitudes
What's wrong with you BAJANS???? : 11/27/2009
One more proof how stupid and third world thinking many Bajan people are. If you are gay or lesbian it’s not a decision YOU can make, it is in your chromosomes already by birth. I prefer gay and lesbian human beings rather than womanizer, spreading HIV/AIDS like wild fire. My advice to all of you, PROUD BAJANS: try to live a decent live yourselves. Take care of your own children, hope and pray that they will NEVER turn out to be gay or lesbian.
Law to protect : 11/27/2009
Why do we need laws to protect any particular group? Our laws should be written to protect all of our Citizens equally.Gays and Lesbians have been around from the bible days. and will be around until Judgement day.When we will all have to account for #1.
Are missing the pont? : 11/27/2009
No human being should be allow to threat another like a dog. There have laws that protects even dogs from abuse. The legistration is not going to be about endorsing homosexuality and same sex. It is about protecting another life. Besides sin is sin, and before we cast any judgement, make sure that we are clean with out sin.Yes Homosexuality is wrong, but so are a lot of things we do on a day to day basic.Deal with the right issue and forget about every thing that is clogging our judgement
: 11/26/2009
I laughed when I read NEAL'S comments because I dont believe those comments are serious. THE COMMENTS ARE FUNNY. Gay or not everybody has rights. I do not condone the homosexual act but I have nothing against gays as they are human beings and who am I to judge anyhow ? I embrace gay people, I do not like their lifestyle but I dont discriminate against them either BECAUSE WHAT THEY DO IN PRIVATE IS THEIR BUSINESS so long as they respect me and my lifestyle. I grew up in Nelson Street in the 1970s and there were some prominent gay men around, I respected them as human beings but never engaged in their activities because I am not of the gay persuasion and they kept their thing to themselves. I remember the first time I saw a very popular gay man whose name began with a 'D' who adopted the name of a female singer and who entered the QUEEN OF THE BEES SHOW at the GLOBE cinema. I thought he was a woman. I often ask the question why would a man want to be a woman and I feel that homosexuality is sexual indiscipline but that is my perspective and I must respect the perspective of others. I/WE must not discriminate against any one for any reason. Simple ! Case closed !
Protection for ALL : 11/26/2009
What does the law to protect people of a different lifestyle has to do with it? I don't know. Laws are made to protect everyone regardless of race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion, or sexual orientation. PERIOD!!!
QUOTE ["Minister of Family, Youth and Sports, Esther Byer-Suckoo gave this assurance during yesterday's public outreach activity at Cave Shepherd's, Broad Street,"]
We have to be very careful what we read because the quote from the Minister states what I wrote. The only assurance given was the ever present agenda of the The Gay and Lesbian task force" which can be very repulsive to many. Stop rubbing in people's faces they don't like it. nuff said!!
Gay and lesbians are part of society ever since time began. Being recorded in the Bible is the manifestation that it has been around forever.
So what are we going to do about it now, nail the to the wall?
Just SHUT UP and let people live their lives because if we can't or don't want to do anything for them, MOVE ON!!!
equal protection under the law for everyone. : 11/26/2009
but that is as far as it should go. there should not be special laws to protect any kind of people, no matter who they like to sleep with.
now let the record show that according to God's Word gayism is an abomination. it is agains nature and produces nothing good. and it is nasty for man to lie with man, and also nasty for woman to lie with woman. YIKES!
but all living beings have a right to life, you cannot harm someone because of this, as long as they are not interfering with you.
Are you kidding me? Please don't create a Sodom and Gomorrah in Bim : 11/26/2009
People know your bible and stop quoting scriptures without spiritual interpretation for a carnal minded man cannot discern spiritual things.
BARBADOS!!! GOD IS AGAINST HOMOSEXUALITY hence the reason he brought punishment on Sodom and Gomorrah as a result of their homosexual behaviour.
Ms. Minister, you need to concentrate on empowering the youth in Barbados and work with the Health Minister on educating youth about Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs). Work with churches to bring God back in homes.
*Hanging My Head in Shame*
Huh? : 11/26/2009
I don't believe homosexuality is right but I do believe everyone should be protected under the law. I agree with Ms Byer-Suckoo there. What I don't understand is why the need for new legislation. If anyone threatened to beat me or does attack me, whether male or female, isn't that person guilty of assault and battery? Are our laws so archaic that even our basic rights to safety are not taken care of?
LAWS TO PROTECT HOMOSEXUALS : 11/26/2009
To the homosexual in NY,you quoted from Old Testament law. Remember this was written and issued specifically for GOD's people at the time, the Israelites. Jesus said He came to fulfill the law. So Christians living in contemporary times don't have to do the sacrificial things any more in order to please the Father. Jesus is now the sacrificial lamb for mankind as He was sent by His Dad to be slaughtered on the Cross for our sins. Once you truly believe this, you become a member of GOD's Kingdom. GOD's Holy Spirit takes over the running of your life and radical changes begin to occur on the inside of the new Believer, as you read His Word, pray and worship Him with your life. You begin to think and act differntly ("As a man thinketh, so is He.") When Christians say that committing homosexual acts as well as ALL other sins are wrong in His eyes according to what He had penned in the Holy Bible,we're not misinterpreting/mistranslating anything. We're simply stating what His Word says. The key though is for the one quoting Scripture to make sure that he/she is not guilty of that sin. Otherwise, this would be a clear case of hypocrisy("You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye," Matthew 7:5).)But even if one is not committing a specific sin, I think it would be better to share GOD's Word with those who will listen, and pray for them rather than doing the condemning thingy. BTW,your attempt at sarcasm was pitiful, in my view. You're attempting to make fun of GOD's Word and that is never a wise thing. Hope you had a blessed Thanksgiving and if you're a Bajan, I wish you a happy Independence day too.
LAWS TO PROTECT HOMOSEXUALS : 11/26/2009
As a committed Christian, I abhor the practice of homosexuality among other sins. The Holy Bible clearly condemns it in more than one place. How are Christians to respond to this population? We must show love as our Lord commands, and not abuse them either verbally or physically. Whenever the Lord presents an opportunity and prompting, we are to let them know in no uncertain terms that GOD Himself says what they're engaging in is wrong. We're to reach out to them too as we should any other sinner, and share what the Holy Bible says about dealing with our sins and receiving forgiveness from the Almighty. I don't believe that as a society, we need to pass special legislation to protect members of the homosexual community. Why should committing say, battery on a homosexual be any different from a husband battering his wife? Battery is battery, irrespective of the motive of the perpetrator. What we need to do in my view, is simply enforce the existing laws on the books when it comes to such cases. I agree with the "The Real Agenda" poster that this a ploy to eventually have heterosexual and homosexual relationships be viewed and accepted in society as equal and their lifestyle condoned by the law. Next item on the agenda for the homosexual group will be same-gender marriage, insurance coverage for 'shacking up' homosexuals, adoption and the like. The Christian community ought to take the lead in speaking out in love about this issue, letting lawmakers know that according to GOD's Word, we're not going in the right direction as a nation on this issue. " Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a DISGRACE to any people," states Proverbs 14:34. To answer Mr. Forde’s query, GOD is not pleased at all when a society moves toward acceptance of a sinful lifestyle, regardless of the nature of it. To the Christian who wrote "A move in the right direction," yes, GOD is the ultimate judge, but that's not the issue here. As you should know, He has set the standards for human behavior. As Believers, we're called to uphold them in our lives, while proclaiming them to all who will listen. Last time I checked the Holy Bible, I didn't read anything about compromising with sin, irrespective of the type. Nowhere in the Holy Bible does it say that we're all GOD's children. That's a lie propagated by Satan and his cohorts. We're all GOD's creation. Massive difference!!GOD's way is always the best way, because He knows all (omniscience) and we don't. Love and blessings to all.
: 11/26/2009
Maybe Neal is in denial regarding his own sexuality, which is why he is so against 'gays'. Surely in this day and age we as a people have more to worry about then an individual's sexual preferance, such as starvation, war's, terrorism and climate change etc, just asking
: 11/26/2009
Gay people in Barbados live quite freely and have assumed some of the highest positions in the land. They are hardly hunted down, beaten and abused. But if there were an incident would that not just be abuse for which the legal system has provisions for everyone. This legislative trail balloon ordered by unseen powers from beyond our shores is the mere nose of the camel under the tent. After this will be same sex marriage, gay adoption, sex with children and bestiality and then open satanism the essence of which is doing what we want and not what God desires. The Pandora's box is being opened wide.
To Neal : 11/26/2009
Neal, what planet are you living on? Did you think before you place finger to keyboard to type such a distasteful comment? Gays are humans just like Straight people and as such, they deserve and are entitled to the same legal protections under the Laws of Barbados and the United Nations. Neal, judge not, lest ye judged. You imbecile!
To: Independence Day : 11/26/2009
You are quite wrong. Nothing supersedes local laws. That is the nature of us being an autonomous state. The only way for a international agreement to be binding on a citizen of Barbados is if Parliament passes a law adopting. International obligations don't affect citizens.
And to the person saying there are already assault laws, yes however there are different degrees of crime directed to achieve different things. For example there is theft, robbery (theft using force) and armed robbery (theft using a weapon). Domestic violence laws will just seek to protect a specific group in a specific way.
: 11/26/2009
Gays like the rest of us straight ones, live their own lives and want to be in their own world and as individuals have their rights to self determination. Those of not so inclined need to leave them alone and stop being judgemental. Jugdement is not to us and for the bloggers who mentioned hate, that is a very strong term to use. Why not love them from a distance. I daresay that one of these days, a gay might be the very person to save your life. Remember the world has a very strange way of unfolding. I would have preferred if the Minister would channel her efforts on other areas like having legislation passed to make parents more accountable for their children's needs and welfare. They are laws to deal with abuses of anybody, gay or staight.
Retired.
HATE FRON BAJAN : 11/26/2009
BOY I DONT BELIEVE THIS THAT MY POPLE HAVE SO MUCH HATE FOR GAYS IN BARBADOSWE ARE ALL GOD PEOPLE mr neal I TYPE YOUR NAME IN SMALL BECOUSE YOU ARE A SMALL MIND & I BET YOU ARE
SHORT TOO STOP THE HATE YOU NEVER KNOW SOME THAT IS ARE GAY MAY SOME DAY SAVE YOUR LIFE.
Independence Day : 11/26/2009
When a country signs agreements with the United Nations, please be aware that the agreement supersedes the laws of the signing country. This move being made must be seen in that light. And before I forget Happy Independence.
law : 11/26/2009
this is a BLP law as this was in they plans MIA will support this i think ? let me hear her point now all people should be protect from any wrong and we have laws on the books for that to christian we are to judge ona another read your BIBLE and dont be confused by matt. 7. 1 ok the BIBLE say we shall judge ANGELS to minster BYER-SUCKOO find something to do and while you are at it read romans 1 when we follow the world and not JESUS we will fall on our face so get back on what your goverment promise that we vote for or you are gone wait and see i give you a f on this
Unnecessary : 11/26/2009
I agree with #3. There are already laws in place for abuse and assault. However, it won't take long before incidents like this occur
"A Vermont judge rules Lisa Miller must turn over her daughter to her former lesbian partner."
http://snipurl.com/tfd65
Human Rights : 11/26/2009
It's utterly amazing how so many so call christians, claim to be christ like but at the same time are so very judgemental. I like to see when people take the bible and make it to suit them. What they fail to realize that their is no lesser or greater sin, sin is sin. So before you stand on your soap box and fit your mouth to judge others, check yourself before.For those same people you are judging and saying should go to hell, you too will meet them there. This bill is bot about gender, it's clearly about HUMAN RIGHTS. One thing everyone is entitle to.
Law to protect gays and lesbians : 11/26/2009
Happening all over the world. Just occurred on Tampa, Florida. Told the nation it was coming. And is this the sign of a turn around in policy by the government? There is a whole lot more in the mortar than the pestle. This is a part of the global agenda of the gay and lesbian movements, as a minority group, to silence the majority. We all better wake up and smell the coffee. This is about changing human rights to accept what can be changed. And believe me, it's going to get worst. We'll see gay marriage being protected under the law as well and a push to have it recognized, just like marriage between heterosexuals. I too am a practicing Christina but we don't call the shots. HE does.
We Are All Sinners Who Hate Each Other : 11/26/2009
I just want to say that although I am gay and have lived the so called homosexual lifestyle all my life, I think all people should be educated regarding God's law. I have learned a great deal and try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind him that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination; so I guess I am a sinner. End of debate. However it is important to clarify that there are some other specific laws according to God and the bible and I really don't know how to best to follow them.
Let's begin with this:
When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor for the Lord (Lev. 1:9). The problem is my neighbors. They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. How should I deal with this?
I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as it suggests in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?
I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of menstrual uncleanliness (Lev. 15:19-24). The problem is, how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.
Lev. 25:44 states that I may buy slaves from the nations that are around us. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans but not Canadians. Can you clarify?
I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself?
A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination (Lev. 10:10), it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this?
Lev. 20:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear prescription glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle room here?
I know you have studied these things extensively, so I am confident you can help. Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging.
So now what do you think of justifying everything by words that have been misinterpreted, mistranslated and used to persecute anyone and everyone at one time or another?
gays should be in hell : 11/26/2009
hey neal why stop at homosexuals? exodus 35:2 kill any one who works on the sabbath. deut21:18-21 kill all disobedient childern.deut22:13-21 kill all girl who are not virgins when they marry .if you beleive the bible not one person will be in heaven.i say live and let live .
To anyone who hate : 11/26/2009
You first have to love youself before you can love others, haven't you heard about treating others the way you want to be treated, or to love thy neighbor as you love yourself. What gives us the right to judge others. To each his/her own, guess gays can say the same about people who are not of the same gender as them.
This is wonderful : 11/26/2009
Some people can be so selfish...People must be able to live their life's the way they want to... If it is that people don't live as you want them to live and you act on that doesn't it make you judgmental? and i know that is the biggest crime in the bible...Only the highest power is able to do that! from a nature perspective if all man and women was to make lots of children what food, water and space would be left for us? IT IS A COURSE OF NATURE TO KEEP THE WORLD POPULATION INTO BALANS!!!
If a man can be honest to himself for being gay let him be...or would you rather have him marry a women and do the other stuff behind her back?
People wake up life is not what we want it to be...It is WHAT IT SHOULD BE...
Love your work...KEEP IT UP Ms Esther
Gays : 11/26/2009
I think this is a crazy idea,how can you give gays rights,they should be locked up,i hate gays all gays should be in hell.
The Real Agenda : 11/26/2009
Are there not already laws on the books to protect all from abuse and assault. So the real agenda is not what is being stated. But it an evolutionary step so that homosexual relationships are made equal to heterosexual ones, and then they will elevate homosexuality above heterosexuality.
: 11/26/2009
Why don't you bring the integrity legislation that you promised within the first 100 days of office.
Notably that hasn't been done yet.
A move in the right direction : 11/26/2009
I am a practising Christian and I must say that I do not particularly approve of the lifesyles of this category of persons, but I do support the proposed legislation because I believe that everyone should be protected by the laws of the country. These people must be protected and have the right to be protected here on earth. Leave judgement to God, Ok!
: 11/26/2009
I wonder how Almighty God feel about Minister Suckoo's proposal. My heart hurts me beyond pain !
CROCKED. : 11/26/2009
WHEN YOU ARE CROCKED you does nothing for the World with out Children the world WOULD BE no more Because those people cannot INCREASE And Multiplied. okkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk.
LISBIANS AND GAYS : 11/26/2009
THEY SHOULD BE NO LAW TO PROTECT THOSE PEOPLE ,BECAUSE HOW EVER YOU MAKE YOUR BED YOU LIE IN IT , MALE AND FEMALE. WOMAN.
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