Donna Smith

THE EDITOR, Sir:

I MUST commend Donna Smith the eloquent spokesperson for JFlag on the work she has been doing on behalf of the organisation for gay rights legislation. While myths about homosexuality are rampant and destructive, Donna Smith and the JFlag community are testimony to the truth that the existence of gay people is a reality, and that they can be found contributing to every profession and occupation, at every economic and social level. This is no 'hug up'.

Our politicians have always been good at signing international agreements to benefit from aid such as the International Human Rights Charter that guarantees rights against discrimination based on sexual orientation. At the same time they do very little in seeing that these agreements are enforced.

Homosexuals as human beings and citizens are entitled to the equal rights that are guaranteed to all. However our laws are enforced in such a way to discriminate against homosexuals or to provide the rationale for other forms of discrimination. If you have ever had the experience of being physically abused, stalked, or robbed by a same-sex partner you quickly come to realise that there is no recourse where the law is concerned.

Some of our legislations are detrimental to the constitutional rights to which homosexuals are entitled and should therefore be amended to reflect the reality of its citizens' lives. Donna, this 'cup' too shall pass and years from now well thinking and tolerant Jamaicans will wonder what all the fuss was about.

I am etc.,

k. small@cwjamaica.com

Constant Spring Road

Kingston 10

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