BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - IT is common knowledge that the mighty America is playing the leading role in the fight for the rights of those who are lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender (LGBT), and most recently some States of that country have passed laws legalising gay marriages.
In the Caribbean, including St. Kitts and Nevis, there are many LGBTs, but some of them would either go underground or seek their desires in the dark of night.
However, political leader of the twin-Island Federation the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas was faced with the question of same sex marriage
"We know that homosexuality is right in St. Kitts-Nevis. Some incidents have been identified recently. Now I am thinking, should the approach be made to you to legalise same sex marriage in St. Kitts. Would you give it a thumbs up and a green light?" the caller asked.
The Prime Minister responded that it is not a matter for legislators alone but the entire Federation, noting that it is an issue that would most certainly generate national debate.
“I believe the church would want to have its say upon this particular matter. I believe the various groups that are pursuing, in a vigorous way, the human rights of people which is always very fundamentals in looking at what people can do or what people cannot do and also looking at what governments can do to lend support or not lend support,” the Prime Minister stated.
“I believe we would be guided not only with what is happening in North America and in Europe, but to some extent what has been cultural norms in our own Caribbean society and in our own St. Kitts and Nevis society,” he added.
He also stated that the issue would "definitely need to be brought to national debate at some time".
Dr. Douglas noted that he has been one of the leading advocates for Human Rights in the Caribbean, especially with regards to LGBT, as he "believe that they have a right", adding that the stigmatisation and the discrimination against homosexuals and sex workers are matters of human rights that would have to be discussed in the open at some stage.
“In fact, because of my own position with regard to the leadership role that I play in advocacy with regard to HIV/AIDS and the fact that when a society continues to openly condemn those persons who are gays and lesbians and who therefore may be driven underground and may not want to come into testing to know their status with regards to HIV, that is something that I condemn,” he said.
Recently, Pope Francis also spoke on homosexuality with regards to the church.
Speaking with the media on board the Papal in July, he said that he would not "judge" gays and lesbians, including gay priests. He was responding to questions about "gay lobby" at the Vatican.
The Pope was flying back to Rome from Brazil, where he had spent one week celebrating World Youth Day.
"When I meet a gay person, I have to distinguish between their being gay and being part of a lobby. If they accept the Lord and have goodwill, who am I to judge them? They shouldn't be marginalised. The tendency is not the problem...they're our brothers," Pope Francis told media representatives.
With homosexuality being the new 'talk of the town', SKNVibes asked a number of persons around St. Kitts what their views were on homosexual leaders in society.
Of the persons interviewed, most were against homosexual leaders. Of those who were against, majority of them were males. Of those who were for, majority were females.
One man said: "There is no way a leader who is put in society, community or any establishment should be a homosexual, no matter what his educational status or her educational status is. As long as you're in that position of influence in society, even if you are not a Christian, we all know rules and regulations and we all know what is right and what is wrong, and homosexuality goes against the natural order of life."
"Personally, I don't have a problem with gay people but I don't know how comfortable I would feel with a gay person being my leader or being in a high position in my country. I mean...how other countries gonna look at us? That is something I think should be considered. That is a question I would definitely ask," one young woman said.
There were those who blatantly stated that they would never support homosexual leaders.
Another commented: "To me, if they are going to be gay, let them stay in the closet because that is not a good thing for young children to see. A man or even a woman high up like that [high in society] and be gay? It is not good!"
"I don't see what all the fuss is about! A person's sexuality should not dictate whether or not they are qualified to be in a top position in government. Whether or not they are gay has nothing to do with if they can properly run the country! I could care less if you're gay, as long as you're doing your job, its fine by me," another citizen voiced.
"I don't see what all this gay talk is about, because I am sure we have some undercover gay ones in there now. A person could be married with children and look straight like a broomstick and still be gay. And that goes for both men and women," was the response of a middle-aged man.
There were also a number of persons who stated that they would not mind having homosexual leaders as long as they remain "in the closet", noting that they would not support them if they are openly gay.
"They are human beings just like everybody else and who they have relationships with has nothing to do with their capability to do their job," said one young lady.
"I am not for it and I would hope that the Christian Counsel steps in if this is to ever become a consideration. I don't think I could support something like that...I don't support gay right! I might sound harsh but I can't support nastiness," was the response another person gave.
A few individuals spoke of what an abomination it is for persons who live that type of lifestyle.
Another said: "It is wrong, it is an abomination and I would not support it! Man to man, woman to woman is wrong, and for us to allow them to be in government and running our country is dead wrong. And then we wonder why our children are so corrupt? Let America stay with their nonsense, don't bring it down here!"
Some stated that this would send the wrong impression to the younger generation, while others said that it would cause a civil war.
"Gay leaders? Then what? Little boys wanting to go to school dressed as girls? We already have girls walking around playing like they are boys, and when a young boy openly expressed his homosexuality he almost died," one woman said.
Two individuals enunciated that society would quicker accept a female homosexual rather than a male, but noted that be it male or female, they would not accept it because as leaders in society they are looked upon as role models for children, and homosexual lifestyles would be sending the wrong message to them.
What are your views on this topic? Would you support homosexual leaders in society?
