Dominica’s UN Ambassador Vince Henderson said Caribbean governments, including Dominica, may be forced to review their positions on gay rights.
In several Caribbean countries homosexuality is illegal.
Henderson told an interview with the media that governments could soon decide whether they should decriminalize homosexuality.
He said the European Union (EU) is pushing for human rights aid and development at the UN and he said, “It’s been a while since they have been developing this concept which they call ‘human rights-based aid and development.’ Their argument is that you have to recognize rights of persons with different dispositions and sexual orientation is the main issue which is the contentious issue for most governments.”
He said the issue of gay rights and decriminalizing homosexuality and recognizing gay rights is being pushed at the EU at the UN level.
“They placed it on the agenda in the last session and I am sure that they will reintroduce it in this session,” he said.
He said the government of Dominica’s position on the matter will not change.
“It is an issue that has been there and clearly the government will not change its stance on the matter. My position will be consistent with government’s position. This is an issue that is very topical at the UN not only for the Caribbean countries but the African, Arab, Islamic and others,” he said.
The UN Ambassador ended by noting that, “it affects us the most because we are the recipients of aid from the EU and therefore it will affect us more”.
Re: Dominica may be forced to change position on homosexuality. This is not an issue that only affects Dominica. It affects my own country, Canada and other nations. The U.S.A. has started to throw its weight around. Recently I read how an America Ambassador to a Caribbean nation broke with protocal and took leave of common sense while in the land of her assignment by mouthing off at them about the need to change their laws restricting homosexuality. Now we have the UN pushing member nations to change their laws on homosexuality. I am appalled that they would encoach on the Commonwealth of Dominica with their bullying approach. Some nations receive aid from the EU. The EU will not hesitate to remind them of this when the time comes to push them to drop their laws against homosexuality. The same with the UN. Any benefits that come from the UN will be found to come with a price. Small nations will have to count the cost and ask themselves “How much do we really need either the EU or the UN? History will honor the leaders who stand tall and defend the their homeland against this assault from the gates of hell! The idea that we need to change to accomodate those who have a different disposition and orientation is dangerous and deadly. It was God who instituted marriage. He gave us His model for marriage: one man and one woman united to the exclusion of all others for as long as they both shall live. When the Divine model is cast aside and even one single alternative is allowed the door is open for any and every type of perversion that wants to be recognized as marriage. And the government MUST then accept every other alternative relationmship as marriage. Since same sex marriage came in Canada there are people using this as a springboard to bring in polygamous marriages. Do you know the very latest word? There is a new movement coming together to promote the idea that pedophilia is also an orientation. They are saying we must stop discriminatinmg against pedophiles. Why? The poor dears were “born that way” and should have equal rights! Yes, this is really happening, although the movement is still in the shadows and is presently keeping a low profile. Don’t think the same civil rights organizations that back same sex marriage won’t give them their full support. They will! And the UN will be cheering them on. We lost the battle against same sex marriage (for the time being) in Canada. But there is still a chance for Dominica and most of the Caribbean if your leaders will be true to your roots and refuse to bow to the oppressors. Pastors, and bishops need to hear the clarion call. “Once to every man and nation comes the moment to decide.” Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Pentecostal Evangelist.
It is written “Thou shalt not lie with a man the way you lie with a woman. It is an abomination unto Yahweh.” We expect those things though for it is written ” as it was in the days of Sodom and Gormorrah, so shall it be at the coming on the son of man Yahshua the messiah.” Not suprising at all. Who controls the finances of the earth and the power in the earth? We live in the Roman Kingdom, the people who brought you God Lord and Jesus Christ. These are not the names of our heavenly father and his son. His name is Yahweh and his son’s name is Yahshua. These are the original names in the bible but the people who removed them and gave you all these falsehoods including “Mary Boychild Jesus Christ was born on Christmass day,” are the same ones pushing these abominations.
It will get worse until the day when Yahweh says enough and establishes Yahshua’s Kingdom on earth for 1000 years…then things will change. Then we will finally find peace, safety, happiness, joy…I long for that day.
Are you going to participate in a series of remarks that invite thought – not regurgitation of mindless jargon you hear at church from your hypocritical leaders? Agreed with the person below. Clearly dominicuh’s education is at an all-time low.
What are the reasons given by the EU for DA to change its position? Are they asking that we change our laws so as to get ANY TYPE of aid or specifically to obtain grants in the fight against HIV/AIDS?
I dont think we should change the existing laws as I am yet to understand if the fight against HIV/AIDS can’t be pursued without our current laws being changed.
One has to respect the rights of ALL, but within a certain MORAL framework.
We going to spend it right back on health care to try control increased HIV anyway, so why get their aids money.
Dominica’s education is at an all time low. The only book that has to be read to Dominicans is the bible. That’s all they know and will ever know and their limited cognitive abilities will never allow them to critically analyze and think outside the box. The bible is full of contradictions and the one many can’t process is “love everyone”. Dominicans choose who they love and they are always correct (ignorance)
It’s like being a dog. A dog will never question it’s master’s motives. They have been trained.
They just do as told and what has passed on through the ages and they are unable to think for themselves.
I don’t want Dominica’s position to change, because the people don’t deserve any aid from anywhere. Dominicans in their ignorance will continue to dig their own grave not only on issues like this but MANY others. Decisions like this just continue to show the world how far behind Dominica is and how ignorant they will continue to be.
Good luck Dominicans! I’ll see you all in hell. (Wait…there isn’t one)
Whenever I read about this it upsets me. Minister, think God and what will Jesus say and do. Do not be a wimp for money, the almighty dollar and follow the ways of Satan and his corteges. God will never forgive those governments who legislate and anyone who approves and applauds this abomination which highly offends Him.
EU and other such world organizations are destroying the world with immorality and institution of same, forcing governments to approve of this abomination as they too live sinful lives. The majority of them do not even get married in a genuine consecrated Church to God. Who wants to follow them and listen to them anyway? In God’s eye they are redundant to the world and they are ignorant of this.
They may very well be one of the causes of tornadoes, cyclones, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, hurricanes and flooding of all.
In no uncertain terms, we must inform them accordingly that they are bringing down the wrath of God on countries and nationals.
Those people are godless which is why such immoralities are forced upon the people of the world. God will deal with them in time.
Decriminalize homosexuality? Why? Leave well alone. Minister, do you approve of a man having sex with another man and a woman having sex with another? Are you a Christian? Better not go to Church and pray to God. You are being hypocritical, encouraging sinfulness in the land and God knows it. Are you a homosexual person? Do you know homosexuals? Woe to you and anyone who approve of this abomination in the eyes of God. It is also a scandal in the eyes of the world. Who are blinded to this? Dominica is a Christian country. The majority of godly and law-abiding Dominicans are not in favor of this abomination. I do hope all of them. They are fully aware of their Christian obligations, primarily to God. I urge you to abandon this thought and action and for your own good and future well being.
In bygone years to the present, Dominica existed without the help of the EU and other such organizations. Where were they when our country, our forefathers and mothers were in need of them? Now they want to enforce a sinful law? Tell them to get lost.
I have always stated that the only right those people have as all others are freedom of speech, employment, housing and free to walk the streets in peace and quietude. This is all the world as Dominica owe them and nothing more.
They live an intrinsic lifestyle and expect that every one should agree with them and approve of their lifestyle. They are sinning and in a worst way.
God did not create homosexuals or lesbians. They have developed their sinful lifestyle when they chose to go astray and far from God. I also urge you to give this a good thought and abandon such an idea. As a Christian you should know better. I know you do but for politics.
Our Lord said, “Those who know and did nothing/practiced it, will be more severely beaten.” Keep this in your head, mind, thought and heart. As you age, your eternal salvation depends on it. Woe to you if you miss the heavenly eternal boat for a few dollars.
Congratulations! You’re the reason that Dominican locals are perceived as unreasonable, bigoted, useless, and frankly, stupid. Well done. Did God make homosexuals? I sure as hell know so, I’m here. Learn how to quote your bible, too. Can I still own slaves? If somebody takes one of my livestock, can I kill them? (The answer to the preceding two questions is: “no”) Who will God judge more harshly: two men for loving, or you for shunning a gigantic community (your neighbors). As much as I hate quoting the bible when arguing with people like you: Judge lest not ye be judged. With respect to your amusing thought that Dominica’s existence is secure without its membership of a greater governmental body such as the EU – well, I welcome you to a rather reality. Dominica has one road, sketchy internet, and a deplorable healthcare system. In short, you’re in the third world and doing nothing about it. Why? As you locals love to say “It’s Dominica, man!” Again, I cite the apathy and ignorance. Your country has had quite a few years to get it together, and it hasn’t. Either change is gonna come and bring Dominica and its antiquated antics to the 21st century – or – you and your corybantic bible-banging dimwits will further drive this country into the ground with your ignorance, laziness, and malevolence. The rest of the world is on board with HUMAN rights, why are you holding your country back?
Dear Getting Educated: I have not yet been to Dominica although I am researching the island so you know more about the place and its people than I do. But I don’t consider the people unreasonable, bigoted useless, and certainly not stupid. I am getting (from my many hours on the internet) an entirely different picture of the people. I see a nation moving at a much slower pace than Canada. This may be a good thing. But please don’t imply that the people are backward and behind the times because of the Bible and their faith in God or because of their belief in the laws of God. The way to move forward as a nation is not to get rid of the Bible. The way to move forward as a nation is to start taking the Word of God more seriously – not less seriously! If any nation wants a revolution that will turn things around and bring them into a time of true prosperity let them make Jesus Christ Lord of that nation! This is done by adopting the New Testament as their moral law. No nation has yet done this. But someday – when Christ returns – every nation will! Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Pentecostal Evangelist. http://www.livinghopeministries.ca
All of allu buggas that waiting to get married in D/a there allu you will go barbados doh, not in dominica that happening there
do not brain wash our young ones with such negativity this simple wrong nothing else god said it not me
IM NOT FOR OR AGAINST GAY RIGHTS BUT THE LAW SHOULD STAY. DA SOCIETY IS MOVING TOO FAST TO EMBRACE WESTERN WAYS THAT ARE NOT CONDUCIVE WITH OUR CULTURE OR LONGTERM WELL BEING. IF A YOUNG MAN OR WOMAN CHOOSES TO LIVE SUCH A LIFFESTYLE LET HIM/HER MOVE TO A PLACE THAT IS WELCOMING TO THEIR LIFESTYLE NOT IMPOSE THIS LIFESTYLE ON OTHERS. THOUGH DISCRIMINATING AGAISNT PERSONS FOR THEIR CHOICE OF LIFESTYLE IS DEPLORABLE STRAIGHT OR GAY. FUTHERMORE ALRERNATIVE LIFESTYLES TEND TO BE SELFISH IN NATURE APPEALING TO THE INDIVIDUAL AND NOT SOCIETY.
Have you wondered why St.Lucian or Grenadian conterpart at the U.N are not as passionate about this gay-rights-for-money thing?
When U.S funding was thought to be dismal his gov’t turned to Chavez and China which turned out to be VERY fruitful. Chavez and China are always willing if and when EU decides to bribe us into doing imoral things against our will and detrimental to national health, such as gay-rights-for-dollars.
Just like the EU is asking us to respect ‘civil rights’, they too should respect our nations civil right to be a God-fearing country. As a nation we are Christian and stand firmly behind the bible and it’s teachings, that is why homosexuality is illegal. By forcing us to change it they are going against our religious belief.
If the Government allows us to be bribed into going against God’s teaching I will truly be ashamed to be Dominican.
all of all you too damn hypocrite, ministers of government and prominent people in our communities, making children and sleeping with how many different women, none of all you not saying nothing. God say all sin is sin.
You have a misconception of rights. Nothing would change your right to dislike gays, or to go to a church that dislikes gays. But you do not have a right to force everyone else to live under those values. Someone else doing something you don’t like does not harm your rights if it doesn’t injure you or your property. And wanting to stop someone from doing something just because you don’t like it is the textbook definition of persecution.
True.
If have rights then we Muslims want our rights to polygyny as well, the permission to marry more than one wife by law.
Abu…..Can’t U see how it’s done? Muslims will have to put people in high places to lobby gov’t and push their influence around like this. Sorry pal, that’s what’s going on.
There goes some of the uneducated ignorance of certain people in a nation and to top it up the hypocrisy.Dominicans need to stop being ignorant and hypocrite wether its with family,friends or society. How many of you are closeted or have family in the closet or friends or people that you know or have know i wonder what if it was your children that had you so called sickness,disease, mental issue or whatever you wanna call it better known as homosexuality. Its comforting to know anyway that there are some sensible Dominicans out.
trust God, do what will make Him happy even if aid is taken away, My God will provide
My perception of homophobics is that their fear comes from the KNOWN rather than the UNKNOWN.
Define “homophobic.” How is it similar or different from claustrophobic? What, in other words, is a phobia?
More ignorance from the locals I see. Homo is a word prefix which means “the same”, here it refers to homosexuals (people who love people of the same sex) – phobia is a word suffix which means fear. Therefore, homophobia means a fear of homosexuals. (Learn to use the internet: google does wonders!)
While I do think this absurd law of criminalizing gay behaviour should have been long repeal I am concern with manner in which EU are trying to bring about that change by withholding funding to independent nations on this continuous moral issue. In Dominica in particular the law have not been enforced as is evidence with the many openly gay persons who have not been convicted of violating the law. So technically speaking countries such as Dominica either show leniency or really do not recognized/accept anymore the law as it stand. We do not need the EU to violate our independence because they provide us funding for various projects. Because they essentially doing to us what they allege we are doing to gays and lesbians: violating our human rights. The law should be change but by the people of the country willingness to change it and not because the EU force us to do so. I hope we can stand firm on our principle of independence and make the EU know that we will make change when we deem it fit to do so. That being said people respect and do not discriminate aginst gays or lesbians.It really is not just a matter of choice, ask your son or your daughter!
But I don’t quite understand this article, Vince talking on both sides of his mouth as usual. He have nothing to say he should just shut up, because in one breath he is saying we may be forced to change and on the other hand he saying we are not changing…what’s up with these guys?
They need to find ways to bring in some cash in the country so we will be making our own money instead of sitting in NY doing nothing on tax payers money.
Questions for the pro-gay lobbyists:
“Are you saying that Western notions of human rights should impose on African notions of human rights, Is the West our teacher (still)? Especially with the threat of withdrawal of aid” See Barbados offended by British Imposition.
Many groups are using the exact same argument of civil rights to allow incestuous marriages and pedophile. What is the difference between their arguments and the gay rights argument for recognitions, isn’t discrimination discrimination? Or do we belittle their so-called rights?
“Why does the gay lobby always oversimplify the problem, as “we just want what you want”? when every year they gain ground into new territories? Passionate language to hide the reality of homo-superiority.
“Are you denying Africa’s right to carve out its own moral path in this world?”
“Are Africans only civilized once they have assimilated all of the habits and customs of the West?”
“Does plurality not give us the right to disagree and enforce the majority moral sensibility which is against promoting or nursing of so-called gay rights?”
“Is the religious orientation of the democratic majority to be disregarded to allow unions, which are against those majority values?”
“Do Western gay pressure groups have the right to impose policy on sovereign African countries which have democratic process?”
“Does the West not have an impossibly long history of destructive interference in the people potential of Africans?”
“Does the Gay lobby not have a “win” at any price policy, by blocking and persecuting it detractors. Is this how the values of democracy are enshrined? Absence of criticism is tyranny. Yet the webspace, media space, film space is dominated by one position.
Disagree and lose your job, or your fan base. Deliberately excluding all quality critique? Nothing is spared not God, and not culture. Even the word “natural” and “normal” should be redefined to accommodate a sexual abnormality.”
http://www.africankingdoms.com
“Many groups are using the exact same argument of civil rights to allow incestuous marriages and pedophile.”
That’s fantasy. I’d also say your moral system has a problem if you think pedophilia (the sexual abuse of children, who can’t consent to sex) is no worse than homosexuality.
In fact, the same arguments raised against gays and gay marriage (it’s “unnatural”, God intended otherwise) were raised by those who opposed interracial sex and marriage. People just use God to justify their own prejudices, yet rarely follow the teachings of Jesus about charity and compassion. Jesus said a lot against the rich and about helping the poor; he didn’t say one word about gays, yet that’s what gets many “Christians” excited.
WISE PEOPLE…REALLY WISE PEOPLE…GET THE BIBLE BEFORE YOU CONTINUE!!!FOOLISH PEOPLE GO AHEAD AND READ, RANT, RAGE, BUT GOD’S WORD IS TRUTH! 1 Corinthians 3:19-21
Romans 1:16
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
2 Timothy 3:16
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness
I DO NOT stand for the practice of Homosexuality NOR FOR IT TO BE LEGALIZED (Leviticus 18:22 Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination)….. My moral stand….oh oh oh and I don’t stand for fornication either, nor adultery, nor thieves, nor rapist! not bi sexual, NOR LESBIANISM(and for the “”smart”” people i know lesbianism is part of homosexual, but some ignorant people(mostly carnal youth) still promote woman and woman but not man and man (God hates all)) and the list goes on with sins i don’t stand for!
People people read the bible properly! Everybody crying they don’t want Gays because God will send his wrath, that’s true, but IT’S NOT THE WHOLE TRUTH. God did not destroy Sodom and Gomorrah because of gays alone, he destroyed it because he could not find not even 5 righteous within that land! There was all kinda of sin there!WHICH ARE ALL DESERVING OF HIS WRATH BUT God is merciful(Romans 5:8), even in Gen 18:32 he was willing to spare the city, if he could find 10, just 10 righteous!! But my gosh he took 4 people out of the sinful city, just 4 righteous, and even then one turn back and became like a pilar of salt! The salt i believe stands for the righteous people (Matthew 5:13)
1 Corinthians 6:9-11
Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators(ANY FORM OF PREMARITAL SEXUAL SIN), nor idolaters(WORSHPING ANYTHING OTHER THAN GOD), nor adulterers(CHEATING SPOUSE), nor effeminate(GAYS), nor abusers of themselves with mankind(ALL IMMORAL SEXUAL SIN) ,
Nor thieves(TAKE OTHERS PROPERTY), nor covetous, nor drunkards(ALCOHOLISM), nor revilers(SEWO-ERS), nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
AND SUCH WERE SOME OF YOU: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God!!!!! GLORY BE TO GOD!!! AND SUCH WERE SOME OF YOU, BUT AM SAYING US!! AND THERE IS THE BUT, BUT BUT YOU ARE WASHED!! JESUS’S BLOOD CAN WASH AWAY ALL SINS!!
Here is the simple truth the whole truth, God wants us to repent of all our sins! And rebuke all…not some! Clearly here it gives the list of sins and there are so much more, which shall not inherit God’s Kingdom!
Here in James 2:7-11, Tells us that God don’t like the fact that we condemning one sin, and not the others!! PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO VERSE 10
7 Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?
8 If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:
9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.
10 FOR WHOSOEVER SHALL KEEP THE WHOLE LAW, AND YET OFFEND IN ONE POINT, HE IS GUILTY OF ALL
11 For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.
So I believe the verse speak for it’s self! and in verse 11 we see that, if you say you hate cheating husband, but you are a reviler, you are just as guilty of sin as the cheating spouse and if you don’t have JESUS as you savious you will still go to the same HELL! God don’t cool down hell’s fire for one sin and heat it up for another!
SO PEOPLE WHAT GOD IS SAYING IS PUT AWAY THE STANDARD OF THE WORLD, PUT AWAY MAN’S OPINION, PUT AWAY HYPOCRISY, PUT AWAY COMPROMISATION, AND SEE WHAT HIS WORD SAY!
AS YOU CAN SEE I PUT ALL THE VERSES I NEEDED TO…SO THAT YOU MAY SEE AM NOT SPEAKING FROM OPINION BUT FROM GOD’S WORD!
PS:YOU CAN FIND ME ON FACE BOOK AS “MITCHEL JNO SUEDE”. I AM WILLING TO SHARE GOD’S TRUTH WITH THOSE WHO ARE WILLING TO LEARN AND GAIN SALVATION IN JESUS! IF BY ANY CHANCE AS I HAVE FAITH, SOMEONE IS CONVICTED BY GOD’S WORD, SEEK HIS FACE AND SPIRIT AND REPENT, AND START ATTENDING A BIBLE BELIEVING CHURCH….FIRST STEP OF SALVATION IS TO SEE YOURSELF AS A SINNER, WHO IS DESERVING OF GOD’S WRATH, BUT JUST AM WORTH OF HIS MERCY! AMEN!
I find it easier to read what you have written when it is not written in capital letters. Thanks.
legalize marijuana instead and all gays shud be quarantine
I want prostitution legalized too. It is my right.
I want bigamy legalized too – it’s my right. And the list can continue. Dirty people.
Well, if the EU and the UN have their way, it will be said ad nauseum that we are being shafted once again by the colonial “masters”. I will accept this argument , even though it is simplistic.
However, Dominica has had many years to avoid being in the situation where a foreign power determines its legal agenda. We could have accepted that it is fundamentally wrong and it is illegal to tell a human what to in his/her private life…it is illegal to deny an individual the right to exercise his/her belief and lifestyle as long as it does not infringe unduly on that of another.
In Dominica, we always knew that this inalienable and sacro-sanct right of the individual exists. Yet, we have chosen for the past decades to ignore it. Now that the “massas” are weilding the big stick, we cry out.
We should blame oursleves, partly, for this rather embarassing situation. Homosexuality in Dominica should have been decriminalized moons ago! I will bet that anybody ocnvicted in Dominca for homosexuality can challenge that conviction internationally, win his/her case, and sue the government, i.e the people of Dominica.
It is time for us to grow up, already!! Why should we wait for the EU to tell us what is right or wrong?
Who are these people disliking your comment? How can anyone think it is right to impose upon others’ private lives?
Whereas homosexuality is a learnt behavior, it is indeed criminal, and from a moral, and spiritual point of view, it is a sin against God Almighty, that is why Jehovah himself condemned it, and has destroyed nations because of this sin.
I would hope that the powers that be in Dominica, does not decriminalize homosexuality, in our country simply because we fear the withholding of certain handouts and donations we anticipate from some nations.
I understand that the British Prime Minister has said he will not give any assistance to any nation which does not recognized homosexuality!
Let that be his problem; he is not God, and the success of the nations refusing to appreciate and recognized homosexuality does not depend on Britain, or any politician in England, nor any power on this earth.
I would hope that we do not reduce our nations morality and standers beneath that of animals in order to get a handout from those nations who defy God, and encourage Bugger men and women to flaunt their disgusting behavior in the rest of our faces.
Withholding a fist full of Euros, or any other currency is not good enough to cause us to lower our standers, and behavior beneath that of the beast of the fields, even lower that domestic dogs!
To each his own; if people wants to violate their body in their homes, or in the bush, that’s a matter for them and which ever god they pray to and worship.
No country in the world have any right to dictate to us what we should recognized in our country, and this so called Ambassador to the United Nations, should keep such news and information to himself. How often does this man report anything significant from the United Nations to the people of Dominica.
Why now?
Why his concentration and focus on homosexuality, and lesbianism?
I wonder if he hoped to hear Dominicans clap and say thanks, very good news; I hope not!
Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
so true mr telemaque we do not need britain aid to hell with david cameron keep ur money and i will keep my dignity to hell with the united nations they always want to impose things on us that is ungodly europe and america fire burn them and that evil united nations fire burn the catholic church the whore of revelation 17 we will demonstrate to the government if it means takin up arms we do not want to legalize buggery people read revelation 17 please the catholic church is the one behind this the mother of harlots and abomination of the earth thase that are arrayed in purple and scarlet they are the ones who have the golden cup fire mburn that wicked pope whose misleading gods peoplecall no one father do not worship any image
and call no man father upon the earth for one is ur father which is in heaven matthew 23.9 read people read
Very Good Francisco – I could not agree more!
Francisco, I am not always in agreement with some things you say, but in this instance, I tip my hat to you – you are spot on. Outstanding observation.
Dominica is not a theocracy–we are not the Taliban jailing people who don’t follow our religious beliefs. If it is a sin, that is a matter for God and church. That is not a matter for law, unless you can point to some reason outside religion for making it criminal. The Dominican Constitution protects freedom of conscience. In some churches, it is a sin to work on Saturday; in others, it’s a sin to work on Sunday. So who else should go to jail if we’re basing our criminal laws on religious belief?
ambassador henderson i am not surprised by this devilish organization,they are a cult,they are all homosexuals vince,gays run the world through satan their father, they are pushing this issue created by the world economic situation,this is blackmail,mine who you run to when you go beg for help,you guys have already chosen the of lesser two evils,you guys might as well stay with chavez.
We have plenty more to see, we are not resourceful, we bury agriculture, we are not creative, we produce nothing so we got to keep begging and like everything else, these donations comes with condition.
I want to see them force it on the arab world.
God will soon come and take his people, too much ugliness in this world…
allu think de white massa finish with allu when he gave DA independence, it was just an illusion my friends they still control you it is just a mater of time. ps. remember we are still in the land of our captivity and thinking we are free, you hear laughter, but my wish is if DA becomes a fargit country that the next hurricane to hit, I would like it to be worst than DAVID…………….
Just a word of advice: don’t write everything in capital letters.
amazing that there are people in a country which is predominantly are trying to equate gay rights to civil rights. Talk to whight gay men and they will tell you that no one has to know unless they “come out”. Try doing that as a black person. Keep your color a secret let me know how that works for you. BTW there is scientific research that proves that some serial killers are “born that way”
How is it that i have never heard people condemning sin such as buggery in prison, but do so outside of prison? Isn’t that sin—as regards the holy writ– regardless of where it takes place between or among humans? Why not condemn it as well? (Does homosexuality injure more than the members involve?) No, they wouldn’t think it apt, because they treat prisoners blindly as non-humans; it is more beneficial to fight and condemn homosexual rights. (Prison, as they see fit, seems to be the best remedy rather than admitting that the ineffectual education system has not worked, or the environment in which the convict previously or still occupies was inappropriate to bring up a good person and as such dismissing the cause-and-effect relationship.) In these situations, I think, prejudice no less than too ignorance reigns mightily.
They rather fight against homosexuality, something which harms no one, physically nor mentally nor emotionally (with the exception of the case above that they jeer at), rather than fight against the church, who is trying to stop ‘AIDS and other harmful VD’S’ by prohibiting condoms and other medical means– without which, it is true, human-life-shortening VD’S, as we know them, would be more wide-spread and would have taken more lives; and, in doing so, increase additional pain and suffering in the world. From this statement we can infer directly ‘enemy #1 (OR THE CHURCH)’ is cunning: It doesn’t what you to question its words, but just believe it as truth, creating for you a slave morality; or, if you fail in any shape or from you comply with every letter it contains, you face the tragedy of excommunication and anathematization.
How can we humans, after being witnesses of the great advances men or science have brought forth to heal the sick and the suffering still, with their minds, tenaciously hold to this ancient, as it is malevolent, superstition? It is truly a laborious job put into coherent terms to explain this human absurdity.
gays don’t choose to be gays the same as black people don’t choose to be black, white people don’t choose to be white and retards don’t choose to be retards.It’s nature and over 400 species of animals have been found to be gay – does that make it normal or abnormal for humans not to accept it? And I’m not gay – I’m just a human who can accept other humans for their differences. What ya got to say about that DA?
Fools open their mouths, and nonsense jumps out; been black and homosexuality are two totally different situations, the comparison between black and homosexuality, is a game some white play to gain sympathy.
The fact is: the very two first humans God Created (are black people; were black, people, and remains black people), and every other complexion of people walking the face of this earth; had it not been for black people they would not be born.
I can prove that scientifically, that has be proven scientifically , and no can denial is documented fact!
In the event someone wants to identify with homosexuals, and sympathies with them do so, however do not compare a homosexual behavior to the creation of God.
God created black people, he however condemned homosexuality, that is the sin God seems to hate the most!
Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
Anonymous. You may not be gay, but your mind is.
To be ignorant of one’s ignorance is the malady of the ignorant.
It’s just amazing the double standards we have in society.
I read all kind of excuses in here for legislation to support gay rights and marriage, for example ‘its consenting adults, its a sin not a crime’ and all that stuff.
If we are allowed to break the tradition of marriage would it be a crime when consenting adults decide to have two spouses instead of the traditional one?
That’s exactly my point. Let’s look at the whole picture.
“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people”. It’s interesting that we are ask to respect the right of the homosexuals but the homosexuals can’t accept the rights of others not to condone their abominable act??
I wish the Government would make it clear where they really stand on this, because I would really like to tell MR.UN sorry, but Dominica can’t afford to open one more back- door.
All i telling you is i saw you last night and the night before and you in no position to talk, doh make me expose you on DNO.
Go ahead,be my guess
Not in my land…………no. Never.
sorry , but the govt has already decided in chambers to allow it!
i support u
Dominica has a serious issue of separating church and state. I won’t be surprised if we look up one day and Dominica has fallen way back behind the rest of the world, along with some other countries, because rather than doing the RIGHT, SENSIBLE THING, Dominica did the fearful, religious thing.
Are you serious? When you say “fallen way back,” that’s in relation to what? What negative impact is this having on our society? What makes something “right,” “sensible,” or “fearful?”
“it affects us the most because we are the recipients of aid from the EU and therefore it will affect us more” lol
i expected nothing more from beggars… they will sell their soul to eat juice and bread… i can’t believe that these are the guys the red ants coming to defend on d.n.o… as we move from our religious principles the more dysfunctional our society will become
the issue is not moving from religion but from God’s standards, because someone can do something wrong religiously and that does not make it right even if it is in the name of “religion”.
it is illigal to be a gay in all the caribbean island still you see gays on the street everyday no one arresting them. the leaders of the caribbean needs to educate on the harm of being gay, Every gay person has a close friend that has died of HIV or AIDS Gayism is a curse and the leaders of the world is putting alot of power in the hands of the gay so we in the smaller island got to keep this filth out of our societies
HIV is transmitted by sex, regardless of if it’s gay sex or not. It’s transmitted by body fluids, which is why hemophiliacs got hit hard by it because they got blood transfusions that no one knew to check for the disease. Are you saying that people who get diseases are bad people?
Lets legalize marijuana and see if it cures homosexuality.
Dominica’s most backward and spineless government at work again!!
Shame on you Vince Henderson and this joke of a government!!
u stupidddd. if them man dont agree to that u know tha amount of money and project that going to stop. all u ppl care about is government this government that. all u fail to realise dominica canna even feed itself without out side help. if the government so bad and canna do the job. the which one allu going to put. uwp? freedom?? for them to do wat ? go and borrow the same money in a different country that possess the same power? all them man is the same thing. is one set that running the world inno. if u didn know?.so if u doe want to be a robin hood and steal from the rich man to feed the poor then that is u. or if u want to sit down in d.a and doe look for food to eat and expect dlp.uwp.freedom to feed u. wait for it.
GOV can do as the please on this matter as long as there is some form of protective framework that protects us strait foke.but the more we seek to be like the big countries the more deteriorated our socity becomes.
My position on this is a bit nuanced. First I must say that I believe in equal rights for all, no exceptions; if you discriminate against one, you should expect to be discriminated against, and since none of us want to be discriminated against, we should not do it to anyone.
Having said that, I take exception to the British trying to force upon us their laws – that’s just another form of colonialism. If memory serves me right, it was these same Englishmen who gave us these laws, and now that they see it fit to take it off their books, they want to enforce that upon us as well. But this is a different time; we have some say in the matter. I do not condone homosexuality – never did, never will, but so too I will never condone criminal acts against them; it’s a matter of principal – do unto others as you would have them do unto you. I do not know how the laws relating to this issue are worded in Dominica but I think, if they need to, should be modified in a manner where homosexual act(s) committed/performed in full view of the public is an offense; if done in the privacy of the home, then that’s just it – private. In other words, if a man or woman wants to have intimate relations with another that’s his/her business, as long as it’s in the privacy of the home; if it’s on the verandah of your house where if am walking by I can see what you doing, we going to have a problem. I don’t think they should be incarcerated – heavy fines should be sufficient.
Now, coming back to us and those Englanders, I think we should proceed in this manner; the government should first make it’s position clear as to what it’s policy is, conduct a plebiscite putting the issue before the voters in order to secure a mandate as what the country feels definitively, communicate that to the British with clarity, and while all these processes are going thru, do an analysis – examine the amount of economic aid we get from England and compare it to the value of trade we have with that country. Let’s see – probably we can source product from other countries, and gradually move away from allowing that country to have significant economic leverage on us. We’re not big, I know. What we do will not make a dent on their economy, but what it will do is free us up to engage in policies that suits us, sans British hegemony.
we do not have to put any issues before voters the answer just have to be no no no to hell with the british again and to hell with david cameron that guy prime minister of the most gayish country on earth
I agree completely with you – but the only reason I proposed that is because it will provide unambiguous backup to the government that this is the will of the people, not just the government’s position. That way they cannot say that Dominicans may be in disagreement with the policy of the government – this can be presented as prima facie evidence of the people’s will and testament.
‘EU” or ‘UN’-which ever body wants to impose such Satanism on our God fairing land, I say run-way. If the EU thinks we are not worthy of aid from such donor agencies, then so be it. AMERICA is behind all this. America wants to take out all strong, successful dictators on the grounds of human rights. The same US is telling third world countries if they don’t comply with their Anti-Christ movement, funding & aid will be compromised. Take a look at the leaders in the Middle East. Comply or die. “Me n mi boys dem ready fi Clinton & she bulls****t chat.” “Boom by-by ina Batty bwoy head.” NO NASTY BUSINESS. We fair God, NOT EU, NOT UN, NOT IMF, NOR AMERICA. JAH guide over his children and HE will provide for us.
WHEN WILL WE GET OUT OF THE CYCLE OF BEGGING AND DEPENDING ON HAND-OUTS???
WHEN WILL WE UNDERSTAND THAT OUR MORAL COMPASS HAS A DIRECT LINK TO OUR SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC PROSPERITY???
WHEN WILL WE BE FREE???
WHEN WILL DOMINICA BE FREE???
I do hope that those ministers take notes from DNO responses. Cause a few only signify what the masses think also. SO those of us who have access to DNO please VOTE NO NO NO. And the government of the day MUST have consultation with its citizens first before any agreement is signed like they did in Jamaica. Even in Jamaica they respect the rights of the voters and that the voters should be heard.
from now on, is AID for AIDS!!!!!mark it down
Puss you too stupid do some research while you on the internet with that comment. Anyone can contract Aids its not a Gay disease. Ti Sal
Are the people disliking this comment doing so because they don’t think straight people can get AIDS?
Only uneducated, desperate, ignorant people are still religious in this century. Get rid of your computers and cars. You people obviously live in the Caribbean’s version of the Dark Ages. And just like you happily swallowed the white man’s religion, you will happily cling to it till you die.
You make me sick to call myself an inhabitant of the Caribbean.
Are you happy or for want of a better word, gay?
So does thast mean that the majority of the world is ignorant and lives in the dark ages?? Maybe according to you!!
There are gays in Da and no one is attacking them because they are gay, so we do not need any laws to change.So shut your empty vessel.
You seem to be quite an unhappy person. It’s very interesting that you saud you’re an “inhabitant” of the Caribbean and not someone from here. Why would you stay around people uneducated, desperate and ignorant? Apparently the old saying is true, “Birds of a feather flock together”. I think you are sick of your own self. Don’t get frustrated if you’re gay and unable to live life openly in the Caribbean. I’m you can find wonderful pickings in the cities of Atlanta, GA, in the red light district in Germany just to name a few. Gays like everyone should have rights but even they’re are guilty of shoving their beliefs down other peoples throat! Simmer down, they way you behaving on here makes you seem like you’re fromt he dark ages where people never exchanged their opinions politely.
My sentiment exactly. Obviously, he/she is not Dominican or quite unpatriotic. Sodom and Gomorrah was destroyed because it was notorious for vice and corruption to include that filthy gay lifestyle. Throwing God off the island simply to appease a few gay and lesbian earthlings is sad and will only lead to misery and doom. Who would choose the latter unless you are really A FOOL WHO HAS SAID IN HIS HEART THAT THERE IS NO GOD. Those of us who know and love God, let’s stand firm on our rock of salvation and give those lifestyles a return ticket to the pit of hell where they came from.
Diagoras, the Atheist! So you think by borrowing a name ascribed to a Greek Atheist will make you wise? Nah boy! You see, Diagoras disputed religion and the supremacy of God, but where is him now? Dead! Six feet under! And religion? Converting more people everyday. So, it seems that the “ignorance, stupidity, desparation and Dark Aged” of religion are much wiser than the brilliance of you and Diagoras. You have fail; you’ve lost! God won and still continues to win!
Are you on drugs? Your argument is that because Diagoras the Atheist is dead, he was wrong? What, do you think people who are correct are immortal and never die? People don’t die EVERY DAY? Christians haven’t died like EVERYONE ELSE FOR THOUSANDS OF YEARS?
You are probably the stupidest person I have ever seen in my life to even think what you posted makes ANY sense. And all the little retards who “liked” your post are the reason Dominica is the armpit of the Caribbean.
Move to mars and be happy…call yourself a “MARSHAN” and be well.
What a retard you are, not to even be able to spell “Martian.” Just goes to prove my point. No wonder you religious condemners of all this are so damned stupid. You don’t read, can’t spell, aren’t educated for donkey sh**. So embarrassing!
The word is MARS…not MART. So you would be a MARSHAN. Not a Martian. I still luv u for not being nise (I mean Nice)
where ever you are, please stay theirs enough of your kind ,you can have four men every night.
Mr.Henderson, please tell us what is the government’s position on the sale of our Dominican passports and who is benefitting from that.
Hmmm someone has adopted my “nom de plume”…. I find it quite amusing that there are sooo many comments quoting the bible as justififcation for their hatred of human rights. Wait a minute, wasn’t it that same bible the white man used to justify the treatment of black people for over 400 hundred years, by saying they had no souls and that they were no better than animals. So now because of a person’s sexual orientation they can not receive the same basic human rights as everyone else. I always find it ironic that black people can come up some of the most homophobic rethoric not realsing that it is the same ideology they are using that has been used to supress and continues to supress us for centuries. Until we begin to focus our efforts on what we have in common than what divides us we will forever be in the dark. Jah truly knows
Human rights? You going a little too far don’t oyu think? I’m for gays as much as the other person but human rights include food, clothing, shelter, sanitation. Btw, Since the beginnning of all this fiasco its black people who’ve been oppressing each other. Selling their brothers and sisters to the highest bidders. lets top the whole white man did us wrong thing
I am speaking of the fundemental human right of respect from your fellow human being. Slavery existed in Africa before the white man came and still exists today, however the the middle passage and ensuring enslavement in the colonies actually served to select the strongest of an already strong race. This is the main reason that Caribbean black people have been as sucessful in what ever they endeavour. The first black politicians, in North America and UK undeniably had carribean ancestry Like wise with sports figures and entertainers. So I guess you are right the white man did us NO wrong they just unknowingly made us stronger.
It seems that once you disagree with the same-sex lifestyle, you are “phobic” (homophobic) or a hater! Rubbish! Two points: (1) A phobia is an irrational fear, which is not the same as the exercise of one’s conscience on a moral issue. (2)If disagreement and expression of disagreement equals hate, then we’re all in this mess together, both straight and gay.
The Ambassador did not mention what is the Government’s position on gay rights in Dominica. Also, what position will he take when the UN votes on the matter? What will his decision be based on? What are the pros and cons of his vote? We need to make informed decisions on those matters.
What’s the government’s stance on this. If they are for it then they can change the law but they cannot change the citizen’s and the citizen’s in vast majority think it is wrong and I personally not in that bribery business. My countries moral values is not for sale. at least for me
Who is the European Union to dictate to Dominica. Let them clean up their own mess before they come and put conditions.
You cannot tell people how to live thier life. If a man wants to be with man or a woman with a woman let it be. You all cannot prevetnt this from happenning. IT MUST HAPPEN. IF YOU ALL WANT TO LIVE BY THE BIBLE, THEN ALL WHATS IN THE BIBLE WHICH IS WRONG SHOULD BE WRONG AND A CRIME UNDER THE DOMINICA CONSTITUTION AND NOT JUST HOMOMSEXUALITY. WHY MAKE ONE ACCEPTABLE AND THE OTHER NOT.
@Eggleston
I hope that your name means that you are from my sister village, I am from Giraudel, so you would know what I mean.
I beg to differ with your opinion. I would like to believe that no one is telling homosexuals how to live their life. No one has the right to do that, but the majority of us want their discretion–not them demanding their rights from us. What are the rights that they are asking for?
As far I understand, the conducts that homosexual choose to maintain, are not a natural–both in the opinion of a Living and Holy God, and in the opinion of the majority of us human beings. And that is the problem.
Homosexuals have chosen their lifestyle and they expect that the rest of must go along with them–behaving however they desire to do so in our faces, conducts that most of us who are normal couples will not do.
Besides we have enough of our own sins to worry about–it too much to have to endure the sins of other people also.
A man and woman goes behind closed doors to do their intimate thing, no one can tell two men, not to do the same thing–if that is their desire. They are accountable to God, not us, in the community or society.
But why should we give them the right to flaunt their unnatural, shameful, and filthy habits in our faces, just because they want me to do so?
Really and truly, sometimes it seem as if some people do not deserves to have any rights–they would not know how to deal with those rights.
already ent dominica in enough hotwater as it is already no gay right vince you nedd something better to talk about them passport people have all over the world fr dominica and never even visit the country talk about that makae it the first on your list and stop that gay things god waiting for you and the rest
Hon Ambassador, long before you came into the politics of this country and during initial stages of the formation of the european union that was a precondition for former colonies of Britain to receive aid, i can recall the late Rosie Douglas made that statement in parliament while seating on the opposition benches, so this is nothing new
It’s always about the money! That’s the only reason why they want to even think about legalizing it, is for the money, not for the humane part of it.
All Men are Created Equal…remember?
Let the hateful, bashful, fearful comments begin.
God will see us through! we do not need to allow those big country people and there aid to cause us to sell what we believe.
i do hope that it well always be no no no no no no nada nada
gay rights go much deeper than 2 men or 2 women sleeping together.
we need to remember the human essence in all of this. a man/woman right of choice, why can’t a man practice medicine because he is gay? would that make him any less knowledgeable than a straight man? why can’t the lesbian down the road follow her dreams of becoming a teacher? ..why why why….
too often we adjust the bible to suit our life when it is convenient for us…so for those preaching the bible…please do so hole heartedly…cuz the bible also speaks about fornication, adultery and many other things…and NO one calls for persons making children out of wedlock to be arrested or for the girl next door converting the lady’s husband to be arrested. Why should we CHOOSE not to get married and still want kids? and who is going to call for the arrest of all the world’s bastard children parents???
In countries where this is upheld…we call it discrimination against woman..
I say Dominicans are too dam Hypocrite! It can’t only be wrong when it is not in our favor!
Tell the E.U hold their ‘Bottom’ eh…Pun intended!!…”Passports! Hot new passports! Anybody need passports??” It’s a dog eat dog world out there. Do what we do to survive!
I do not fully understand this article; why is the Government going to review their position on a matter that they have already decided that the position on the matter will remain the same?
And, what is the Dominica Governments’ position on that issue?
What a smart comment. I support you 100%
Has anyone in Dominica ever been convicted of homosexuality (Man or woman), except maybe in the case of rape of a minor? Do you know anyone that commits that ‘crime’? Is the law enforced, or just something on paper? As far as I see, we say it is against the law but we allow it. What is more important, saying it is against the law, but allowing it, or punishing people who live that life style? If we knowingly allow it and do nothing, are we being hypocrites? Or is enforcing that law very difficult? At want point is that person committing a crime, when they are caught in the act? Just something to ponder on.
My own conviction is that it is a sin, but a crime?
Legalize jah herb and then maybe we can discuss faggit rights.chore!!!!
“it wont hurt man, just a little push push with the grease and it finish wi”. we have compromised so much already. we prostituted our passports and exposed our desperatation…..now
the international communities have realised that we are desperate and “EASY” and now we are faced with the mother of all compromising, Either we TURN FOR IT, or no AID… well…if we had position ourselves to not live on handouts “AID” maybe we would be in a better position to take a “hard” stance… but alas we are limp. and so our leaders have no choice but to touch their toes.
Homosexuality is abominable. Dominica is a Christian nation. No change in that.
dominica claims to be a christian country but most of them doing the same things other countries do. they just doing it in darkness
Mr. Henderson, please let us know what is the Government’s position of Homosexuality?
Every one should have a right to do what they feel like with there body. There are many in the dark and would like to come to the light.
Gay rights and Buggery rights and Lebian rights should not be accepted in our society and marriage between two men and between two women should not be welcomed in any of our churches in Dominica. Marriage as God prophesied to be should be between a man and a woman and nothing else. This is bad behaviour and is unacceptable in our society. We cannot follow other people’s mind just because we are getting some financial assistance, some funds from them. If we believe in God, then why should we do what America or the EU does all in the name of a dollar. That’s not right. Just as we respect how other countries feel, they too need to respect how we feel as well.
no body said anything about gay marriage. why does being gay have to be a crime. frowned open yes but a crime no. as long as it’s adult consentual sex then why is it a crime?
Why does it have to be adult? Why should sex with a non-adult be a crime? If 10 years from now the UN started pushing for sexual rights for minors, would you support it?
Poor people have been eating s..t for so long.
We are now threatened to starvation if we dont comply…what a travesty.
Right now they want to promise unity among the brothers not based on the need to eradicte poverty but to unitedly disobey the laws of the Almighty….the culture of abomination
SET THE TABLE, PLACE THE CUTLERY AND DISHES TO EAT S..T TOGETHER.
We wish our people to open their eyes on the new style of oppression and domination
Why would we want to hold on to an antiquated law. Stop talking for talking sake and examine the issues.You cannot make laws against people sexual preferences.
There have to be laws against rape and underage sex, abuse in marriage, these are the issues that plage Dominica society, heterosexual abuse.
Be careful what you say. In one breath you state that “You cannot make laws against people’s sexual preferences,” yet with the next breath you condemn a person who might prefer to have sex with a minor!! That’s their preference!! Why is one justifiable and the other not?
Nous paka footi changay pies lwah! What happen to national sovereignty? Massa day is done you know! Let them keep their money, we will keep our honey and die with our dignity!
Go to the front of the class!!! I love it. We prefer to die with our dignity than to be associated with anything like homosexuality.
Dominica say no to homosexuality
The UN Ambassador ended by noting that, “it affects us the most because we are the recipients of aid from the EU and therefore it will affect us more”. So because we are the recipients of aid from the EU we have to vote as they vote? How about voting on the behalf of your people and what they believe in or stand for.
Tell the EU to keep their aid. We will get from China and Cuba and Venezuela. We will keep our integrity. We can show tolerance of gay people but we should not accept homosexuality as a norm in our country. Our national emblem says Apres Bondie C’est La Ter. It means God first.
we maintain our position which is faggotivity is a illegal! we will not legalize it. so tell EU to hold their Sodom & Gommorah money! God will provide for us. Brimstone & fire on the UN & EU for trying to impose their saloptay on us. cha!
@ Jah know You are so right God will definitely provide for us. We should not sell our soul to Satan for few pieces of silver
and by saying this you are so godly?? you sound like a hateful person. they always say the ones that more quick to judge have the same problems themselves….
you trying to tell us something?
Ignorance is bliss you should change your name to master bliss!
NO WAY, NEVER!! If these European men want to go ahead and bugger then do it to you all selves, why should they bully us into these ambominable acts just to get their money>>?? Isn’t this prostitution?? It is so ironic that we got these laws handed down to us from Britain and now they are the ones pushing for carribbean countries to think differntly on these perverted acts!
Where the fense is low that’s where the cow jumps.We are poor and need their money so they are pressuring us to be unnatural.
Why arn’t they doing the same thing to richer countries .
Shame on the EU and I hope the caribbean community join hands to reject this proposal.
lol the way you put it is like somebody is going pass a law forcing you to have gay sex. really i don’t see what the big deal. legalizing or not legalizing homosexuality will not change my life one little bit
Vince, what happen all you are little boys nuh????????? So because de EU pushing for it all you have to give in?!!!
Get some balls Vince!!!
Padner read. Read where Vince is stating that the country’s position on homosexuality won’t change. meaning they are not giving in. they are against it. Allu don’t listen to news. If u do some research Dominica is one of the country on the list that will not accept homosexuality because we state we are a good fearing nation.
So what is the Governments’ position again?????
There is no question bout it… simple NO NO NO
You can tell who the thumb downs are