Voting on Renee Webb’s bill

Earlier today I tried to contact every UBP and PLP MP to find out how they will be voting on Renee Webb’s private member’s bill tomorrow. I don’t have email addresses for some, and others proved to be invalid. Many did not respond. However, here is what I was able to find out.

John Barritt was quoted in today’s Royal Gazette as saying that he will be voting in favour. David Dodwell told me that he will also be voting for Ms. Webb’s amendment. So will Jamahl Simmons. On the Government side, Dale Butler was the only MP to confirm that he will be voting for the legislation.

Jon Brunson said he will stay for tomorrow’s vote, but would not say how he’ll be voting. Trevor Moniz said that, “I am keeping my powder dry at the moment”, but pointed out that he moved the amendment that allowed the Stubbs Bill to pass in 1994.

Michael Dunkley said that he supported the addition of sexual orientation to the Human Rights Act, however he was evasive when I pressed him on how he will vote. He alleged that Ms. Webb has not made the scope of her amendment clear, and was concerned that she is also looking to introduce gay marriage (which he opposes). According to Ms. Webb, however, “The amendment is a one liner which simply says that the HR Act be amended to include sexual orientation as grounds of discrimination”.

Michael Scott told me that he is currently in Europe on private business, and so will presumably not be present for the vote.

I encourage everyone who wants to see this legislation passed to get in touch your MP and let them know how you feel. Contact details for most parliamentarians can be found here.

I have only one thing to ask of all MPs voting tomorrow: at least have the courage to vote for what you believe in. If you oppose the bill, then stand up and vote against it; if you support it, or are homosexual yourself, then vote in favour. Above all, don’t be a coward and absent yourself from the vote.

» Cicero points out that Paula Cox has already stated her opposition to the amendment.

» Dean Foggo has confirmed that he will be voting in favour of the amendment.

» According to today's Royal Gazette, Nelson Bascome, Otiwell Simmons, Dennis Lister and Maxwell Burgess are all opposed to the motion. Patricia Gordon-Pamplin is in favour.

» According to today's Bermuda Sun, Patrice Minors will be voting against the bill.

Comments

[Enigma on 25.05.06 at 23:51]

Phil,

I agree 100% Stand up for what you truly believe. Stop being afraid of a bunch of bullies and quit listenining to a bunch of self serving 'holy rollers' The hypocrisy in Bermuda is really very scary. We are, what we are, and it is our differences that make us so attractive to one another. I support Renee's bill 100 % and I want every politician to have the nerve to stand up for what they believe, irrespective of the the homophobic bully boys and the holy rollers who suffer from selective reading ability!

[Cicero on 25.05.06 at 23:59]

Don't forget Paula (they say she's the intelligent one).

http://www.theroyalgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051216/MIDOCEAN/112160146&SearchID=73245686250510

[Martin on 26.05.06 at 06:26]

"He (Michael Dunkley) alleged that Ms. Webb has not made the scope of her amendment clear, and was concerned that she is also looking to introduce gay marriage (which he opposes)"

Perhaps this is the get-out that MP's will rely on?

[Phil on 26.05.06 at 08:54]

Dean Foggo has confirmed that he will be voting in favour of the amendment.

[jake on 26.05.06 at 09:05]

I applaud those who are supporting this bill, but Jamahl Simmons - you are my hero for this quote in the Gazette today,

"I don't think people should be discriminated [against] for what they do in their private lives although I am not a fan of the whole thing."

Just in case those safe seaters turn A.M.E. I guess...

[kristen sousa on 30.05.06 at 06:49]

I support Minister Webbs bill. Does that count?

[Brenda Lana Smith on 01.06.06 at 20:46]

Has anyone checked on how the senators would have voted—if given the opportunity?

[Save De Cut on 01.06.06 at 22:16]

It was posted yesterday in the BDA SUN.

[Phil on 01.06.06 at 23:11]

Save De Cut

The senators were not included in that Bermuda Sun survey.

[Save De Cut on 01.06.06 at 23:29]

Sorry, mis read