Will Anesia Baptiste fight for gay rights too?

Tue, May 8. 2012

Editor: I am encouraged by the recent utterances of former NDP Senator Anesia Baptiste on her last public program on Sunday evening, on which she stated, and I quote: “It is clear that an alternative political party is needed; one that has genuine respect for the religious liberty and freedom of expression of all of the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines, whether they be majority or minority groups.{{more}} And one that also stands for true economic development and social progress that brings SVG into a golden age.”

This statement is indeed profound, enlightening and welcomed. The idea of freedom of expression of ALL the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines, whether they be majority or minority groups is rather interesting, because in St Vincent exists a minority group of individuals that are oppressed, abused, violated, beaten, ridiculed, persecuted and in some instances some have seen their death because of their suspected association with such a group or lifestyle. It is my firm belief that a former radio announcer and political activist in St Vincent, as well as a former banker met their deaths because they were members of this minority group. I refer, Editor, to gay or homosexual people living in St Vincent and the Grenadines!

Whether Vincentians realize it or not, this group exists and while the term minority is used to refer to groups such as these, the membership of such a group is by no means minor, but due to oppression, abuse, persecution by law and society, as well as the obvious ostracism which is meted out to members of this group, persons of such orientation and lifestyle are forced to seek cover by keeping to themselves, migrating and seeking refuge or living lives in pretence. This, surely, Editor, is a violation of these persons’ rights and liberties as citizens of St Vincent and the Grenadines and the oppression and persecution of gay people in our country, is also a violation of the said constitution that Mrs Baptiste uses to fight her battles with regard to religious liberties and freedoms and freedom of expression. Everybody wants freedom, including gay people.

The law of St Vincent prohibits the practice of homosexuality in the country, whether in public or private and imposes a prison sentence of ten years if a person is found guilty and convicted of such an offence. This law is archaic, inconsistent with people’s personal choices and also in direct violation of the fundamental rights and freedoms of citizens of the country who choose to live this lifestyle. What could be criminal about two persons of the same gender becoming attracted to and falling in love with each other and wanting to express that love and attraction intimately? How is that a threat to society? How often are you likely to find a gay person on the family court for failure to pay child maintenance?

The 1979 constitution allows freedom of expression and association for all Vincentians. It therefore affords gay people in St Vincent the right to express themselves freely as gay people and the right to associate with each other in public, regardless of their sexuality. At present, this is not possible because, not only is it a violation of the law to do so, but it is seen as socially unacceptable by society and pretty much the same opinion is held about the religious practices and beliefs of Mrs Baptiste in St Vincent. So, will she in her quest to fight for the freedom of expression of all people in St Vincent, fight for the freedom of expression of gay people? What are Mrs Baptiste’s views about gay people? We should like to know, because it very well can have an effect on the political future of not only Mrs Baptiste, but several other politicians in St Vincent, because there are gay people of influence in the country, even in politics, who are forced to live secret lives because of their lifestyle choice, but who can also influence others not to elect politicians who might be extremely homophobic. If you are serving the people, serve all the people, gay people included.

Editor, we must remember that, in 2009, the present government tried, under the guise of constitutional reform, to make homosexuality an enshrined offence within the constitution of St Vincent and the Grenadines; hence it is evident that our politicians are not ready to give due respect to the individual rights and freedoms of gay people in the country. While Vincentians during the referendum voted to reject the new constitution, it was not because of the attempted violation of the rights of gay people. It is suspected that gay people would have voted no in interests of their own rights, because during the campaign, the Prime Minister and others, knowing the sentiments of the society on the lifestyle of gay people, used the new intended clause to boost up their campaign, even using local and foreign artistes to articulate their views against gay people in St Vincent through the lyrics of songs. The present constitution of St Vincent does not make homosexuality an offence. It is the laws of the land that do and the laws need to be changed. Can we count on Mrs Baptiste to help, or would that go contrary to her religious beliefs and freedoms, which if it does is really a situation filled with hypocrisy. The rights and freedoms of one group cannot trample on and disregard the rights and freedoms of another living under the same constitution. Isn’t this your cry Anesia?

In her cry for religious liberty and freedom and her attempt to protect the rights of all Vincentians, I never heard Mrs Baptiste make a case for the rights and freedoms of gay people in St Vincent and surely even within the NDP, on whose strength she campaigned, there are gay people; tons of them were listening to her with a grain of hope that she would say something on their behalf but, NOTHING!

Mrs Baptiste your recent statement is welcomed by the gay community in St Vincent; we cannot come out and hold a rally with you, we cannot come out and march with you, we cannot call in on a programme to give voice to our cause; I cannot even publish my name on this letter for fear of persecution and abuse within our society, but rest assured that we, the gay citizens of this country, are looking and listening and if you do form an alternative political party that is willing to fight for the rights and freedom of expression of the gay minority group in St Vincent, it will certainly be a political party which indeed, according to you, will demonstrate social progress and move St Vincent into a golden age and your following will be large!

Gay Vincentian