Why the British PM can wield a big 'homosexuality' stick

Friday, November 04, 2011

The threat by British Prime Minister David Cameron to withhold aid from governments that fail to reform legislation banning homosexuality highlights the importance of a position we advanced in this space exactly a week ago.

The point we made was that Caribbean countries need to get our economies to the point where we will need little or no borrowing.

We had put forward the argument against the background of a vicious strategy being employed by the Taiwanese Government to collect a US$28-million judgement against Grenada for non-payment of loans received from Taiwan's Export-Import Bank in the 1990s.

Essentially, what the Taiwanese have done is to have their lawyers file papers in the United States compelling cruise lines and airlines to hand over any money they owe Grenada in fees or other payments.

It's not that Grenada is unwilling to honour its obligation. The Caricom nation has made a proposal to renegotiate the loan as its economy is still feeling the effects of the devastation brought on by Hurricane Ivan in 2004 and a drop in tourism after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States.

The Taiwanese, however, are not prepared to enter into any debt rescheduling arrangement because the Grenadians made the 'error' of severing diplomatic ties with Taiwan in favour of rival China.

So, now, Grenada faces the indignity of having its port fees seized -- a move that would further depress its economy — simply because it upset a benefactor.

In the case of the threat issued by Prime Minister Cameron over the weekend, the British are in no way being as iniquitous as the Taiwanese. After all, the aid they are pledging to slash is their own money and they are at liberty to do with it as they please.

"Britain," Mr Cameron is reported as saying, "is one of the premier aid givers in the world. We want to see countries that receive our aid adhering to proper human rights."

But while the British leader's statement is directed more at African states that have strong anti-gay legislation, his policy essentially applies to all Commonwealth countries, including Jamaica, where, due to religious and/or cultural beliefs, homosexuality is not accepted.

Of course, he conceded that the countries targeted could not change immediately. That, we hold, should be the general position of the international community and the homosexual lobby. For it is unreasonable to expect that societies with prejudices rooted in a culture that, in most instances is a legacy of British Empire laws, will, overnight, accept a lifestyle that runs counter to those laws.

Where the homosexual lobby and their supporters have erred is in trying to force their lifestyle on societies that regard it as wrong and ungodly.

And while we do not support laws that persecute people because of their sexual preferences, we hold firmly to the belief that threats, like that issued by Prime Minister Cameron, would not have seen the light of day had those countries that now gleefully accept monetary aid put their economies in order.

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COMMENTS (19)

Al Witt
11/17/2011

As a parent says to a child "As long as you're under my roof, you have to follow my rules", so too has the British govt. laid down the requirements for monetary aid. This is what happens when someone else is responsible for your livelihood. It is the same reason why the US can invade Iraq (for being suspected of having WMDs) but only caution Iran and North Korea (who blatantly display them). If you do not defend your independence there will always be someone willing to take it from you!

Nina Nais
11/16/2011

For those calling on Jamaican law to "stop prosecuting homosexuals". Do you know what the "anti-buggery" law has been used for in the vast majority of cases? To prosecute adult men who have had forced anal sex with a woman or child, that's what. The cases prosecuting consenting adult homosexuals are rare, with none in recent years. So even though I agree that the law should be narrowed so that it only covers cases of forced sodomy (rape), it is currently not an active problem 4 Jamaican gays.

Nina Nais
11/16/2011

"Vicious strategy" ? Taiwan has a legal judgement against Grenada. The money is owed to them, and should be paid. What Taiwan is doing is NO different from any lender, who, after having received a court judgment for the debt owed to him, can apply to seize the delinquent borrower's property or garnish his wages if the delinquent still fails to pay the judgment debt. "Upset benefactor" or not, Taiwan is exercising its legal rights.

Natasha Murray
11/16/2011

RE: Phil Oiseaubay
I am not sure where you are from but homosexuality is not GOD given. Do some research. If it was God given than the bible would not oppose to it. People like you is what causes plagues and other diseases to affect people. DO you know how many bacteria lies in the anal canal. . Let the British take their money and go somewhere else. They have done more inhumane things in this lifetime than anyone else. They took over the US from the indians and drive africans out of their cou

miluvyuh luvyuh
11/8/2011

Homosexuality is not the only sin. And, for most of you that are opposing such acts, but live and do other things against the perfect will of God, where will you end up on the day of judgement? Most of you on here are not godly men and women. You are just sounding off because you can. But have no godliness in any of you. Give your hearts to God and see how He would have you act towards sinful men. Judge not and consider thy ways! The blood of Jesus is agains all of you!

Ray Stennett
11/4/2011

The lack Biblical morality that exist in the minds of some leaders like Cameron spew shamelessly from their mouths . That 's why someone like David Cameron can try to bully members of the Commonwealth to submit against their conscience to homosexuality. Hypocrisy! I thought the Commonwealth was a membership of friends. Now it seems to be old master and servants. David Cameron is a little wet around the ears. His treats will go down with him. Because good will prevail over evil for all to see.

Erica 4 Jamaica
11/4/2011

Please, note that first world countries like the U.S.A. and England also have significant debt and are not exactly economically stable or secure.

Phil Oiseaubay
11/4/2011

Very disappointed to see that the Editor of this newspaper is a homophobe. Expect that anyone who calls themselves educated today would’ve a broad enough life exposure to understand that homosexuality is NOT a lifestyle choice; it is a God-given genetic disposition.
Also, Cameron is NOT forcing anything; as sovereign nations, we decide whether to meet his terms or not. Like telling a dinner date, that unless she stops being disrespectful, then she'd have to foot her costs.
Disappointed in you!

ras london
11/4/2011

The British banned Christians from adopting children because they don't believe in homosexuality. Will that be forced upon us as well? Are we still held captive by the British?

Anthony II
11/4/2011

II. The irony of the whole situation is that these people in these African countries practice some of the worst atrocities against each other in different spheres of life, but on this issue they invoke "Christianity" and other specious arguments. It was also the British as colonialists that imposed these laws in the first place.
.
Stop practising hate against your fellow citizens under the guise of "it is our culture."

Anthony II
11/4/2011

We need to get rid of these hogwash arguments about things being the way they are because of cultural reasons. The US South also had people who had cultural beliefs about the equality of other people. South Africa had an apartheid system because of people's cultural beliefs. Tutsis and Hutus went to war because of cultural beliefs. Hitler annihilated people because of prevailing cultural beliefs. Do you want me to continue? That something is believed by a culture does not mean it is right!

Jam girl
11/4/2011

IF a man have the right to break a country policy that he should have the rigth to be homosexual why not a man who want to use drugs or what ever its his right too and the country should suppress the majority to accept their life style soon they will decides that no more serving of God as in the days of Lot or worse we change the bible.

Meat Head
11/4/2011

Some have reinterpreted the "golden rule" to mean, "he who has the gold, rules." In other words, the UK has every right to establish rules for recipient's of its money. As a nationalist, I do bristle at this intrusion on our sovereignty, but I must also concede that bronze-age cultural norms have no place in today's JA. It is reprehensible and immoral to punish a class of citizens for who they are. If the UK must discourage this abomination by withholding funds, so be it.

Donny S
11/4/2011

The other thing too since the space to write more ran out. I don't think that any nation should dictate to another one what should be made legal from what shouldn't be. If it's the case where human life is at stake because of personal or religious beliefs, fine, but otherwise, no. That's how I fee;

Donny S
11/4/2011

As much as homosexuality is really gross to me, I don't think that laws should be in place to force people to adhere to certain beliefs. If people are worried about someone doing something like that in public, why not et boundaries in place or law that would clarify such behavior in public indecent behavior? The same should also apply to heterosexual couples. Also let's not be hypocritical about this. There are other things besides homosexuality that people should cry about

0o k
11/4/2011

Again Jamaica Observer Editor(s) seemed very confused and is willing to make childish comparisons of Taiwan vs Grenada matter to everything under the sun.
First of there is zero ban on homosexuality in Jamaica.
There is a ban on Buggery.
This thing does not concern us at all.
As for African and other Jurisdictions that ban homosexuality as you correctly point out it is Britain's money and they can spend it the way they like.

Devon T
11/4/2011

First you Capture Jamaica, then you enslave a "common people" then you steal our wealth, now you want to buy our conscience...Mr Cameron as a British Citizen with Jamaican Heritage, i say Shove it. To my Jamaican Brothers and sisters, Keep the Faith God will fight for you. You have it in you to build a Jamaica that will make the British Empire envious so Please do not sell your conscience to the leaders in Sodom. mek dem kip dem money... Earn your own. YES WE CAN.
...i'm coming home...

Matthew Thomas
11/4/2011

So when Jamaica got involved with South Africa's affairs then it was wrong?

wanda woeman
11/4/2011

And I make the point again which you did not see fit to publish then, that it is exactly what happens when companies fund political parties; they are beholden to them and can wield a big "do as I say stick."
But as I say then, you did not publish it, so I don't see why you should now.
How come we have never heard you advocating limits on donations to political parties, using your arguments here, or full disclosure of the amounts donated?

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Why the British PM can wield a big 'homosexuality' stick