The 19 foreign journalists participating in a US sponsored tour examining gay and lesbian rights in the United States have been hearing from the various sides on the matter of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) rights and issues.
DNO reporter Carlisle Jno Baptiste – one of the 19 – says the arguments are passionate.
He reports that at the State Department, Assistant Secretary for Democracy, human rights and labor, Michael Posner and his deputy Dan Baer, told journalists that the Obama administration has ensured the universal standard for all human rights.
“We believe that change occurs within society and the Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has played a leading role in the change in US policy as it relates to “same sex marriage,” he said.
Posner explained to the journalists that the US policy is such that they will recognize that LGBT rights are human rights and it will be honored.
He is quoted further as saying that public diplomacy is very essential, and that while they have lots of support within the Obama administration and the State Department, the work is “not over.”
“Over the last ten years the mood in the US has changed dramatically as it relates to LGBT, it’s even more rapid than I can think, it’s broader and it’s really an evolution,” Posner remarked.
On the Republican side, spokesman Clarke Cooper said President Obama’s same-sex marriage decision has set a “new precedent” in the US.
“He set the bar the highest it can be and it is impossible for another government to take a step down,” Cooper stated.
“So far the decision is not at risk to him……voters are voting on their pockets so that is not going to be an issue,” Cooper said.
The group of journalists went to Capitol Hill, to the House of Representatives.
They heard from Diego Sanchez, legislative assistant for the Democrat from Massachusetts.
Sanchez hailed the decision of President Obama, calling it “long overdue”, and believes it will further enhance Barack Obama’s reelection.
“The programme has been unbelievable and presently, more than 90 per cent of Americans believe that it should happen and was about time,” he said.
“The issue of unemployment discrimination is a major issue, we are well past the time of asking for support…we need people to come out and speak out,” he remarked.
In Arlington, Virginia Helen Alvare, associate professor of Law at George Mason University, focused on the impact of the LGBT issue on US society.
She described “same sex marriage” “as an attack on families.”
And Brian Brown – president of the National Organization for Marriage – has vowed to fight same sex marriage “till the end.”
“We are standing up and fighting for the family, we condemn violence, harassment and hate comments. Let’s debate the issue with an open mind … President Obama is going to be a one term president, he will lose because that is going to be a major issue,” Brown stated.
Jno Baptiste and the other journalists also met Maryland state delegates Kieffer Mitchell Jr. and Luke Clippinger, who are responsible for passing Maryland’s Civil Marriage Protection Act legalizing same sex marriage in Maryland.
The journalists will also be making stops in Philadelphia and New York.
Their visit is being funded by the US State Department, in collaboration with the US Foreign Press Association.
The US POLICY TO INFLUENCE THE WORLD INTO THE LIFESTYLE OF SODOM IS A TOTAL CONTRADICTION OF THE VALUES OF OUR CULTURE AND OUR RLIGION
IT IS AN ABOMINATION TO THE CHRIST IN US …LET SATAN RULE IN GOOD OLD AMERICA AND LET CHRIST AND BIBLICAL VALUES RULE IN CLEAN GOD FARING DOMINCA .
THE POWERE CONTROLLERS AND INFLUENCE PEDDLERS WHO HOLD HIGH OFFICE IN THE USA ARE HELL BENT ON FORCING THEIR GUTTER WORLD ON US THEY DEMAND AND INSTRUCT THAT WE ACCEPT THEIR DECADENT LFESTYLE AND TO HELL WITH OUR CHRISTIAN PRINCIPLES EVEN THE PASTORS AND BISHOPS FEAR THESE MIGHTY MEN OF SATAN
HOMOSEXUALITY IS AN ABOMINATION TO OUR CHRISTIAN BELEIFS ANFD NO AMOUNT OF CHAMPAGMNE TO REPORTERS ON TRIPS TO FANCY HOTELS DIRECTED AT INFLUENCING US TO ACCPT THE LIFESTYLE OF THE GUTTER CAN MKE BAD GOOD AS SODOM IS NOT OF GOD AND IS CLEARLY MANIFESTLY HOSTILE TO CHRISTIANITY..AND THE VALUE OF FAMILY AND PROCREATION OF THE HUMAN RACE OF WHICH SEX IS THE MEDIUM …
ANY ABUSE OF CONVERTING SEX BTWEEN MAN AND MAN IS ALS EQAUL TO MAN AND DOG OR GOATS OR PIGS …
DO WE RESPECT OUR CREATOR AND THE PURPOSE OF OUR EXISTENCE?
yep see what America’s tryna do..Don’t feel so special. They’re just trying to get everyone to accept this. Sucks. Right now I”m just about fed up of hearing that word ..everyone just needs to shut up about it now….wht is gay anyway stupes.
Mr Carlisle are you sure Clarke Cooper did not pull a fast one, by saying he was representing the Republican Party?.May be he is a homosexual who is a republican,but I don’t believe he was sent by the party
I am not aware of any senator or congressman/woman who is a so-called gay, or supporting same sex marriage.
From the time Obama announced he is for same sex..his popularity has gone down.The latest poll put him on same footing with Romney.
Diego Sanchez must be living somewhere on one of the mountains in Dominica.For him to say
“More than 90 per cent of Americans believe that it should happen and was about time”
There are 50 states,and only 6 allowed same sex marriage.37 states pass laws against it on their statute book.
Each time the people were given the opportunity to vote for or against it,they go for the latter.
For example in California twice they voted no in 2006 and 2008.Yet governor Jerry Brown, a democrat and a few judges imposed it on them.In New York,not too long ago,governor Cuommo again democrat imposed it on N.Y
since when did the practice of Buggery become GAY,Gay is happyness,Joy,enjoyment,etc.So our famous band of the 60s the Gay Lords were Gay.Carlise should give us his take 0n that.Up to the 60s citizens were being regularly confined to Stock farm for the act of Buggery,so we should apologise to Bekay Laivere for the many jail sentences he served for BUGGERY.
very soon muderers and all other vile criminals will ask for rights to carry out diabolical activities.
It is rather interesting that Dominica being such a small nation we were taken into consideration and invited to that forum…Hmmmmmm.Hey people think on this.
You guys are just so wrong! Think of it. We recently had some bad publicity with the gay men who came aboard the gay cruisehip hence the reason for inviting a Dominican journalist to this tour so that we can be further educated on the issues that affect the LGBT community. Stop making assumptions!
May zo! Garday Carlisle kon mwe nuh LOL! SMH laughing.
eveh e still ka gwiye wi!
As for all the Bible-thumpers – NONE of you really want to live by the rules of the Bible so allyu could really hush crying down gays. Allyu like to pick and choose which parts of the Bible you shouting about.
But you still like to eat pork. And commit adultery and fornication. And wear clothes made of mixed wool and linen.
Yes, bet you didn’t know the Bible forbids that too ent? Run and go check the tags on your clothes!
In fact, if you really feel like living Biblically (since you have sooooo much to say about it) read this http://www.asylum.com/2008/02/22/the-weirdest-and-toughest-laws-in-the-bible/
It’s almost pointless telling them the truth. They can barely read to begin with, and though they tell everyone to read their bible, they couldn’t REALLY tell you what is in the bible. The bible is full of strange and absurd things that most moderate Christians ignore, and homosexuality-condemning is one of them.
Caribbean Lady, the best thing for is to say five and a half haily marys, twelve our fathers to cleanse you up…. or Repent, the time is at hand!
Oh please. Everybody looking for conspiracy theories and it’s right there in the story how the trip was funded.
I don’t understand how allyu have internet to come and chat foolishness on DNO but not to use google and enlighten yourself a bit.
Well I can and this is what I found – the U.S. does these kinds of reporting tours all the time (http://fpc.state.gov/c18447.htm).
And for all of those asking why they don’t do tours on this, that and the next – they do tours on everything, not just gay rights. A whole list of tours are right here. (http://fpc.state.gov/c18450.htm)
STUPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEES!
C JUST WANTED A TRIP.
HOPE YOU WERE CAREFUL.
Boy Carlisle, take the trip eh.
I hope Carlisle don’t get converted
He done say the arguments were passionate,,,,,so you never know.
be careful oy
If he does thats kool too,be who you are !!!
LOL @Samantha Harris: categorizing Africans and Women with gays, tells me you are an idiot. Being gay is a condition. Being African (Black) or a woman is not a condition, but natural attributes and traits. You can also read my other post about the subject.
Rasta–I didn’t say they were exactly the same. I said women and blacks would be more obviously discriminated against. The similarity between them is because all of them are natural states we do not ask for. I cannot stop being black, I cannot realistically stop being a woman, I cannot stop being a hetero. I never chose any of those (and I not about to do a Michael Jackson and change my skin up or do a sex change). So while gays can live undercover without us knowing, they have to live in pain because they aren’t able to love who they want to love. Imagine if you were forced to hide the fact that you love the opposite sex. Imagine the pain that would cause you…and then imagine these people suffering every day like that.
Samantha.. both opposite sex has the same tools. These same tools will malfuntion in operation.
Do you get that?
People Mr. Jno.Baptiste is a jornalist and to the effect the has to educate himslef with all issues.Attending this forum certainly does not mean he is pro or anti gay. Can we Dominicans lift our sleves up and have a discourse and discussion instead of trying to tear people down both professionally and personally? We are suppose to be an educated and informed people…………I am not sure…….
Somehow, Caribbean people have the tendency to think if it is happening in the US then it is good. We need to get out of this mentality because the United States is not a good model for any kind of moral standard. Evil is waxing worse and worse in America and it is trickling down to the Caribbean because we are easily influenced by the numerous number of American TV stations and crap shows that we view in our homes. I just pray that we (Caribbean People) would not lose our identity and uniqueness in favor of the crap that comes from the US. If you don’t stand for something you will fall for anything.
Continue on with that closed attitude, and see how far Dominica will get in the world. You cannot sit on your high horse and just say “Everyone must be wrong if they do not think like me.” You should instead examine their actions and see if maybe you are the one who’s wrong.
Unless we make strides to accept these people for who they are, we will be left in the past by progressing societies.
progressing society my foot. u dumb?
You must be dumb, if you think the USA and Europe are less progressive than Dominica. This little island is nothing at the moment. And it will remain nothing until we become smarter.
Samantha.. ,in time to come we wil all turn homos and in time to come there will be left no more homos because in time to come reproduction will be irradicated.
You must be enjoying it, if not through your tv away COPYCAT
A lot of you seem to think that homosexuality just came to Dominica because of exposure to “American influence.” Papamete, gay people were in DA before I left some 28 years ago. My mom who is 75 knows of gay people from her time. People are just choosing to live their lives more openly these days. Get a grip. Eccl. 1:9 says: “What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.” Stop being so obsessed with people’s personal lives. If it does not affect your quality of life, give it a friggin’ rest already.
I cannot understand why gays have to have special rights!they are human so they have the right as all other human being.
to me, the strategy is to sneak in their distinctly HOMOSEXUAL behaviours under the HUMAN RIGHTS agenda, and then fight for their ” human rights “.
..to me, by natural science, logic and philosophy, and the definition of a “right”, human right especially,what they are smartly trying to do should not succeed. there are rights that every human being should be previleged to, and then their are things and practices than fail to qualify as a right.
Say what we want this issue is a hot button issue regardless which side you on we are living in a time where we all want to set our own standards wrong, or right, win lose,or draw straight or Gay one thing is certain all of us are just on this Earth for some time and clearly the signs of the end are drawing near so let he who is without sin cast the first stone. And I pray to God Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference”.
God loves all men, he hates the sins, no matter what we think or do we will NEVER change the truth of God. HEAVEN and EARTH shall pass away, but God’s WORD will STAND forever, and there is nothing that man can do about that. GOD IS UNCHANGING
I knew this trip was being financed by the Gay community in the States. There was no way DNO was going to send Carlisle to Washington to listen to a gay fella talk about their issues.
So Carlisle will be head of the Gay Issues Correspondent at DNO? One thing the gay community has is big money. They have taken a page from the Jews. If they will not let you in, buy them out.
LMAO!! The head of gay usies correspondent at DNO?” all you have jokes on DNO
I do not think you read what was reported.It did not mention anything about Mr. Jon Baptiste trip was financed by the gay community in the States.Why all these assumptions.Here is something to learn about assumptions.Begin challenging your own assumptions. Your assumptions are your windows on the world. Scrub them off every once in awhile, or the light won’t come in.
Who do you think provide financial support for this organization and newspaper/magazine, Pat Robertson? I have nothing against the gay people, but this was a well orchestrated move to get the local journalists to report in ways that at the very least is not anti-gay or at best favorable to gays. These guys are not spending their money because they are trying to give Carlisle a free vacation.
If they can pull it through, more power to them. The most effective way to get rid of pests is to feed with poison, and let him take the rest back to the nest.
Thats why we needed there money, all money is money, buisness is buisness !!
These homosexual propagandists and organizations are utilizing all sorts of tricks to soften the civilized public view against the satanic inspired practice of homosexuality. One day pedophiles and persons who want to go to bed with animals will start to use the same arguments as the homosexuals – eg they feel they were born that way; people should stop discriminating against them; it is their right to practice what they want – in an attempt to justify their perverted acts.
Where is line going to be drawn against all these high grade levels of filth if one such as homosexuality is accepted?
The line is drawn at consent between two adults of age who are capable of making decisions on their own. Animals cannot respond to give consent, children are not considered of age (well in western society anyway) and not mature enough for sexual activity therefore cannot be engaged in such.
However I don’t blame you for your views. You are only human and highly value the power of sexual reproduction, after all it’s what has gotten our species thus far. You see homosexuality as an attack on this sexuality. Proof of that is how you never see people crying out against acts of sexual decadence when it is between male and female. Carnival has been going on for years, I have yet to see anyone complain of the stripper-like dancing that goes on in the streets
Well said..
@ Channel 1 – The last time I checked, we live in a free society, and grown folks who pay their own bills should be able to live their lives the way they choose to. Is their life style affecting or altering yours in any way? They certainly don’t affect mine. It is written that one day we will all have to give an account of our lives to God, so its betweenthem and their God. I hope he doesn’t find any skeletons in your closet since in my opinion, you seem to be without sin or imperfection. As far as I know, there is no distinction between sins….a sin is a sin is a sin.
Channel 1:
You are absolutely right!
Those who cross the line between normal man-woman sex into the world of same sex relationships have entered a forbidden and scary world.
Once a person has already broken the commandment of God – and the social taboo – that forbids homosexuality, it becomes much easier to commit even worse sexual transgressions. Fortunately not all homosexuals do. But for some homosexuality becomes the gateway or entry to a much wider playing field.
Those who are committed to the homosexual lifestyle are a small percentage of the total population. But a disproportionate number of them become involved in the most gruesome of crimes; things even veteran journalists hesitate to write about.
When homosexuality is decriminalized and same sex marriages are legalized it will not be long before there are those who begin to lobby for polygamous marriages on the grounds of “equal rights”. Then there will be those who want pedophilia declared an “orientation” on the basis that so many men are saying they were born that way – it is the only sexual desire they have ever known and psychiatrists are saying they cannot be cured. If pedophilia becomes an “orientation” and the laws of a nation make it illegal to discriminate against anybody on the basis of their sexual orientation pedophiles will have all the protection they need!
For those who are saying pedophilia is an adult having sex with a child who is too young to give legal consent let me say this. Once that child can legally give consent the adult and child are on an equal playing field as two adults of the same sex. You may not realize it but there are militant homosexual organizations now lobbying governments to have the age lowered or totally eliminated! One of them adopted the motto SEX BY EIGHT OR IT’S TOO LATE. (They may since have had to drop this motto for legal reasons.) One such organization devoted a special edition of their official magazine to promoting the pleasures and benefits of man-boy sex.
Eventually there will be those who want the laws against having sex with animals dropped. There are men now who claim it is the only “orientation” they have ever known. How long will it be until there will be psychiatrists saying it can’t be cured and should be declared an “orientation”?
A wise government will close a road that is not safe to drive on: much more when they don’t know where it leads!
Sincerely Rev. Donald Hill. Pentecostal Evangelist.
Ok, I getting a clearer picture of that whole fiasco now. What better way to spread the gay marriage issue to foreign unwilling countries than by inviting foreign journalists and sending them back home to pave the way?
There is an hidden agenda here. Of all the issues currently affecting the US, they find to invite foreign journalist to cover their gay-wrong agenda? Why they didn’t have foreign journalists cover the issue of Main St vs Wall St, the trend of the economy or how the US legislative work etc etc?
Their gay agenda they trying to force down our throats technically without us even observing it.
Don’t fall for it Dominicans, don’t fall for it…
What agenda, nuh? You think giving human beings the rights they have been denied is an agenda? If so, giving blacks and women rights are just more “obvious” agendas.
i want the right to smoke my weed without gettin arrested.
Samantha Harris, by your comment are you advocating that God made a “MISTAKE” when HE said that marriage is between one man and one woman? Are you also insinuating that He “GOD” also made a MISTAKE when he destroyed Sodom and Gorrorha for that very homosexual behavior?
If you’re a bible believing female then you know and we all know that God can’t be wrong. If you’re a satillite of President Obama then tell us so.
If he Obama and yourself is right on this issue, then asked your Pastor/Priest/minister to preach a sermon on Sunday Father’s Day on the subject, “The Mistakes God made”.
Sista Sam,
Trying to compare black people’s cause and the gay agenda just don’t make sense. We are in a spiritual and moral conflict here that stretches all the way back to creation.
If you take all the black people and isolate them on an island, you can return in 1000 years and you will meet a thriving population of black people. If you isolate all the gay people on an island and you return in a few years there will be none left, they will die off. This lifestyle is immoral and un-natural.
All of us are born of a mother and father. We were taught from creation to honor and respect a marriage. It is a covenant between humans and GOD. Right now all you totally twist that and bringing an abominable un-natural version of marriage and want the world to bow down and accept this.
No sista, you are asking us to disregard one of the most sacred institutions that all generations and all cultures have held from creation for the benefit of human survival.
We cannot do that!
To all the righteous ones on this board, I would like to know how many of you are opposed to fornication and adultery. How clean are your hearts? Do you backbite, steal, envy, put you wives away during menstruation, and stay away from unclean foods? How many of you don’t get drunk? It’s ok to hate homosexuality or green hair, however, using scriptures to validate your hate is offensive. Leave God out of your koshoni.