Trinidad gays ask government for equal rights

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad — Gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender (GLBT) people in Trinidad and Tobago are calling on the government to decriminalise homosexuality.

The community, which is reportedly made up of thousands of people, is tired of being treated like second-class citizens, Colin Robinson, spokesman for the Coalition Advocating for the Inclusion of Sexual Orientation (CAISO), said.

The Express newspaper reported that in a telephone interview Robinson said, while they appreciate the call by Gender Affairs Minister Mary King for a national debate on same-sex marriages, it is not what they need.

“The government isn’t listening and has its priorities wrong. We’ve consistently given the government six national priorities — this was never one,” he said.

“We’ve consistently asked for action to prevent discrimination and violence, for attention to homelessness, to make schools safe for young people, to train police. We’ve repeatedly asked them to listen and consult, and offered our help with building a nation for everyone, but they have not heard us,” he continued.

Robinson said while being able to get married would be nice, it was really “putting the cart before the horse”. He said, while the government does not need to amend the Sexual Offences Act or decriminalise sexual activities to protect GLBT people from discrimination and violence, “It probably would be appropriate to decriminalise some offences of sexuality and homosexual behaviour before looking at the recognition of same-sex relationships.”

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49 Comments

  1. Please Note
    February 23, 2011

    It might interest you to note that, not too far away, President Obama has just declared the Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional, meaning that preventing homosexuals from getting married is unconstitutional. America’s constitution is not Dominica’s, sure, but that’s not the point. The point is what’s fair and equitable and reasonable. Why is America so far ahead of us on these fronts, eh?

  2. Mr Cleanupthefilth
    February 21, 2011

    Our Islands do not have cameras in many places and we often have power cuts, so many things will get cut off!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  3. 666
    February 21, 2011

    hahaahahahahahaahahh

  4. Disclaimer
    February 21, 2011

    Awww heck no!!!!!

  5. President
    February 21, 2011

    This is not even an argument.

  6. ------
    February 20, 2011

    well Trinidad, you try it you all will see how fast the oil god bless you all with will dry up.

    • Possie
      February 20, 2011

      This one had me laughing out really loud. Just was not expecting to read such a comment on this story.

  7. Worldviews
    February 19, 2011

    If you don’t “understand” homosexual activity, fine. A gay person probably doesn’t “understand” a heterosexual’s sexual desire, either. But this is very different from claiming that a sexual act is “wrong” or “evil” because you read that it was so in an ancient book that colonist missionaries forced upon our ancestors. I don’t understand why more Caribbean people can’t be more open-minded about these issues. Believing in the bible is what those who enslaved our ancestors did, and while that does not itself make it right or wrong, why believe in it? There are many other ways to live life, including ways that do not condemn people for the way they are born (come on, do you really think someone would choose to be gay in the Caribbean?). And yet, so few Caribbean people seem willing to even consider them. Why can’t the citizens of the islands come together and have debates about these issues, rather than some people writing awful insults online without even stopping to think that that insult might only be what you were brought up to believe? This is what we need, rather than insults. Friendly, yet hearty, debates and education, so that people’s views on life will be broadened. At the end of the day, someone may still end up a Christian. But at least that person has chosen to do so after long, difficult debate, rather than simply accepting it because their parents and long-dead colonists said to. Let’s open our minds.

    • Servant of the Lord
      February 20, 2011

      wow…U R A gonna! SAD puppy.

      I feel for people like you on judgment day!

      • Worldview
        February 21, 2011

        …and there goes any hope of democracy, since theocracy is all you seem to know. Mental slavery is not a good thing. I try to be resonable, and I get someone calling me a sad puppy. Well, I can only hope someone sensible will see what I’m trying to say.

      • Educated
        March 19, 2011

        The bible preaches love. Who is God going to judge on judgment day, two men for loving each other, or ignorant, hateful people like you that judge the homosexual community? You are the reason why people think of Dominicans as ignorant fools, congratulations.

      • Alexander Harrington
        July 11, 2011

        Shut up you insolent whacha ma call it… amazing, quite amazing………. you people really amaze me!!!!!!!!!!

  8. sparky
    February 19, 2011

    bomboclat !what dem think?hell no! no equal rights for gays.The bible says no man should have intercourse wih another man.God hates that!

  9. Texas
    February 19, 2011

    The word “Marry” is a biblical term, the meaning of the word, is based on scriptures. Marriage means the union of a MAN and a WOMAN. To ask for rights to be married is flawed since a man and a man or woman and woman, cannot be married – so go look for another word or term!

  10. ok
    February 19, 2011

    people i agree it should not be considered a criminal act. leave that for the muslim nations. then again it is not enforced anyways. when was the last time any one heard a gay person being arrested and charged for being gay in the caribbean. lesbians kiss in public places, i havn’t seen men kissing or holding hands as yet……..so this means tht they have an agenda i’ts not about decriminalizing gay act it’s just the begining of the rules and laws they want to have passed on their behalf……again it is wrong you all can do your stuff in private, none of my business, but that’s where it stops. i have fornicated in the past and i admit it was wrong but it is aso wrong for a man or woman to have a sexual relationship with the same gender. remain single, tha’s not the worst thing in life, there are kids who are born severly and mentally handicapped, there are people who beome parlyzed and loose the use of all four limbs. so i guess living a celibate life is not the worst thing out there, our burdens are differnt, just ask the lord to give you thestrngh to go through it

    advocate for children rights…………….that’s wht we need

  11. cleanbowled
    February 19, 2011

    It is quite obvious that criminalising homosexuality (gay and lesbian) has not done little to stop the prevelance of that behavior. From a legal standpoint, it makes no sense crininalising morally based behavior, whether it is homosexuality, heterosexual adultery or fornication. Now predatory sexual behavior like molestation, pedophila, rape, etc are a completely different story. Society must do all it can to stamp out these devastating, criminal transgessions.

    Any christian based view must be well in line with God’s word, even when it personally convicts us. Please be reminded that we should not add to or take away from God’s words and commandments. We should not selectively pick and choose scriptures that support our ideas or lifestyles while ignoring the truths that point out our sinful behaviors.

    In the end, all of us (homosexual, heterosexual and bi-sexual) know exactly what God’s word says in regards to sinful behavior. Furthermore, we all have choice to make as to whether or not we believe and live accordingly. Remember, God’s word says that “there is none righteous, not one”. As for me, I am going to continue to work on myself according to God’s word and avoid wasting time condeming anyone whose sin does not resemble mine.

  12. Stryka
    February 19, 2011

    Fire will fall on all u. Really cant imagine myself in a room a man crankshaft up n mines the same. Very Disgusting.

    • Educated
      March 19, 2011

      Can’t imagine being in a room with an ignorant person like you either, so stay in the cave you belong in.

  13. Anonymous
    February 19, 2011

    what this world is getting into….. lord send down your grace.

  14. Wongping
    February 19, 2011

    Remember Sodom and Gomorrah.provoke the wrath of Jah ,destroy and change the course of nature and when she react u say there is no God.homos have these preferential laws because it is voted by gov’t ministers and some of them are gay.it’s these leaders who swear by the bible when taking oath,that do these things.now even church leaders are timid in attacks against this abomination.u can’t write a song talking about this filth.u are branded as homophobe.Jah is not in showing his vexation agaist such nonesense made kawful by men.Sodom and Gomorah come burn them.weeping, wailing, nashing of teeth.who don’t have teeth their gums will feel it.ban dem dirty homo ministers.

    • Wongping
      February 19, 2011

      Correction:Jah is not far

  15. J.J.John-Charles
    February 19, 2011

    Yes God made us all,in His own image and likeness.And yes He is all loving and good.But He will not sacrifice His holiness and justice just to be loving and good.For example He said.
    ” You shall not lie with a male as with a woman.It is an abomination.”
    Also Leviticus 20:13. God calls homosexuality or sodomy an abomination.
    If you also read Romans1:26-28 the word of God refers to unnatural sexual relations between women.lesbianism is against nature,it is contrary to the intention of the Creator.
    But there is hope in Christ,He is willing to forgive.

  16. Lucky Lilly
    February 18, 2011

    The World will end in 2012 -Big LIE
    Answer: Matthew 24:26 – Jesus said, But of that DAY and HOUR knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my FATHER ONLY.

  17. Chakademus
    February 18, 2011

    Zor Foo! Allez Sayway, keetay nous en repos!

  18. NO WAY
    February 18, 2011

    STOP THAT ABOMINATION NOW! FIRE AND BRIMSTONE GO FALL PUN ALL AH YOU.
    WAIT AND YOU GONE SEE. YOU MISERABLE SET OF PERVERTS.

  19. Elheffe
    February 18, 2011

    jehovah is coming for his sinfull world

    god greated woman and man,not man with man,neither woman with woman,and yes he hate it thats why he distroy the city of sodum and gohmorrow,

    senior ayudar todos .p.s. plsead levitucus 18;18

  20. HMMMMMM(the psychic)
    February 18, 2011

    But why gays fighting to get married nah? They already have everything that heterosexuals have and they still not satisfied. Leave marriage between a man an a woman. That’s how it was made to be. And, blessed are those who care to respond to my post

  21. Homeboy
    February 18, 2011

    This law is in the Bible FYI

  22. Homeboy
    February 18, 2011

    Don’t do that Trinidad. This is an abomination.. Well the END time soon come papa!!!!!

  23. kalinago in trinindad
    February 18, 2011

    1 corinthians 6.9. what! do you not no that unrightous person will not inherit God’s kingdom? do not be misled .neither fornicators, nor adolaters nor adulterers nor mem kept for unnatural purposes, nor men who lie with men .

  24. Channel 1
    February 18, 2011

    Homosexuality is nothing more than downright nastiness!!!!

    ‘Just a normal sexual orientation’ they claim – nah that ideology of utter nonsense is just another one of those deceptive psychological tactics employed by these GLBT groups to soften the public stance against this abomination. And to make matters worse, them people well bold and brave to be calling for rights to sanction their form of perversion and filth.

    I hope the Trinidad government never alters it’s laws to suit these people and I trust other Caribbean governments will determine never to legalize this abominable act in any of their countries!!

    • soloved!
      February 19, 2011

      Am sure you or your kid make have had sex with a man already!

  25. patat
    February 18, 2011

    what? dey trying to legalize man marriage alas if only they knew how sweet p(*, p(* be they would understand. nasty kind of people. the world is so sick lord help us.

  26. ok
    February 18, 2011

    @ Aaaaaa

    MY point exactly. then they would be a protected group. why do they deserve more protection than evrerbldy else. shy should there be laws epeciallyfor them. the weakkest amoung us are kids and if any one need tgo have special laws it should be them.

    kids ar treated as property, slaves, they have abslolutely no rights. parents do what ever they wnt to with their kids.i a person would be sent to jail if they treat an animal the same way they treat their kids. it’s as if they were mde to make their parent happy to serve their parents. then you get hit with leather belts and electric wires. you know how much that hurts.

    now if a gay adult were to get hit with an electric wire or leather belt by another adult , the perpetrator would definitey get arrested and charged.

    if a gay person were not given a job just for the fact they are gay the future employer would definitely be sued if there is enough evidence to prove the case. there already are laws in place to protect citizens from such. gays should reciev No special treatment.

    • Advocate for Tolerance
      February 18, 2011

      I hope that what you are saying is that Gays should be equal to everyone else with the same rights and privileges in the society. If that is your point then I agree with you. Human Rights and Dignity are the key points here; Gay bashing and child abuse are equally wrong.

      • soloved!
        February 19, 2011

        True! the sad thing is when all these people who are saying bad things about gays are the very same, who when are out of Dominica fine themselfs haveing sex with men! They don’t do it in DA because people will talk and are to ashame to face it!

  27. Aaaaa
    February 18, 2011

    marriage is a big sham! Please those people started marrying to keep the wealth between them. Some married their own blood to keep their blood line pure. People came and gave all you those beliefs. My point is gay people shouldn’t even join the astrocity that is marriage. Why they want to be apart of that I have no idea. But I believe there should be laws that protects gay couples. Non of you are in a position to judge. God say he made us all in his image and likeness and thats the only part of the bible I believe! If the God all you talking about is all knowing, all loving and all good he doesn’t put his head down in shame of gays. All of you need to spend more time treating everyone the best way you know how.

    • Jayson
      February 18, 2011

      Laws to protect the individuals or laws to protect their Gay lifestyle?

      At no time should this abomination be condoned!

  28. Democratic lover
    February 18, 2011

    Yes we need to be educated, so that the slavery of abuse to one another stops. Let us learn to respect humanity. Parents to love and respect children, so children can love and respect u in return.
    Men to respect women,Women should respect themselves.
    Gayys to respect themselves, and given the same hman rights as everybody else.
    Yes this is an old outdated lwa given to the caribbran by the colonist, they have got rid of those old outdated laws in Europe and America, but we in the caribbean holding on strong to ignorance.
    Yes decrimnalise same sex- sexuality,,
    But jail all the child abusers.

    • soutiweh
      February 19, 2011

      People respect gays :lol: the act is not normal which makes those who are not gay sick and thus people are not happy

  29. Lady
    February 18, 2011

    DA next

    • soutiweh
      February 19, 2011

      :-| I thought they said DA doh have gays

      • soloved!
        February 19, 2011

        Well if they thing so, then they must think again! some of them it’s under thier bed looking at them day and night ! time will tell when it hits home for some people!

  30. ok
    February 18, 2011

    hey no one is saying tht yougays should not have all the sex you wnt with each other. have orgies if you all see it fit. but please don’t ask the government to get involved in your dispicable act. getting marreid this is just wrong. as for being discrimnated against. there is discrimination against alot of people; age discrination, woman and young girls get raped every day simply for being a female.

    why should gays be special. why should you recieve special protection. i never recieved any protection when i was physically abused by my parents. and the goverment still isn’t making this a priority. helpless children still recieve blows from their abusive parents. please tell me why gays should be a protecte group.

    • BB
      February 18, 2011

      They are not asking to be protected as you state. They are asking that it not be a criminal offense to have sex with who they want to have sex with.

      • ok
        February 18, 2011

        well i agree it should not be a criminal act………….but further down the article……………….

      • Lucky Lilly
        February 19, 2011

        Sex between a married couple (man & woman) is a spiritual thing, God made it that way, free of sin, free of guilt, but peaceful and loving. Anything outside of the covenant of God (marriage) is sin. Now God hates sin, that why he said that the payment for sin is death (Romans 6:23) and one day he will judge humans beings dead or alive who are caught still living in sin. His word (Romans 1:32) cannot be changed. That’s why the Word of God is preached every day around the world warning people of the judgement of God to come on this sinful world. So if you have not given your life to Jesus Christ, do so now before it is too late (Matthew 24:22).

        • soloved!
          February 19, 2011

          All you all can talk about is GOD say this and GOD say that! but are you all liveing right with the man or woman you are married to! gay people has alot more love towards eachother then you all!

  31. ....
    February 18, 2011

    yes I.. what a world

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