Gay rights in an independent Bermuda?

An eagle-eyed reader has pointed out that the general hostility of members of the PLP to including sexual orientation in the Human Rights Act is at odds with the party’s own submission to the Bermuda Independence Commission.

On page 11, the PLP’s submission stated:

In examining constitutional models throughout the Commonwealth, we foresee the provisions protecting the human rights and freedoms of our citizens will be much like that which is enshrined in Article 9 of the South African Constitution, as outlined below:

“9. (1) ... (2) ... (3) The state may not unfairly discriminate directly or indirectly against anyone on one or more grounds, including race, gender, sex, pregnancy, marital status, ethnic or social origin, colour, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, conscience, belief, culture, language and birth.

(emphasis mine).

Certainly, the PLP’s submission only indicated that the Bill of Rights in an independent Bermuda would be “much like” this provision, giving them plenty of wiggle room to snip out the words "sexual orientation". However it’s ironic that whoever was doing the cut-and-pasting from the South African constitution let this slip through.

Perhaps Renee sneaked it in there while Alex was looking the other way.

Comments

[Tiger Bay on 01.06.06 at 21:05]

Once again, the PLP demonstrates the difference between utopia and reality.

Neither party currently has a vision, all they have is weak tactics and personal agendas.

[SmokingGun on 01.06.06 at 21:10]

Pretty much explains Ewart Brown's comment about "speaking about it another time, another place."

[Rev. Goat on 01.06.06 at 22:08]

What else do you expect from an asshole but a fart.

[sandgrownan on 02.06.06 at 08:19]

yeah, but we all know the BIC report is basically a document full of lies, half truths and misinformation. You can bet Bermuda would be even more intolerant and bigoted after independence.

[JJ on 08.06.06 at 14:15]

From a letter to the RG:

".........The same goes for recent events like the Webb Bill (it was about gay marriage, not discrimination)"

I have not seen this argument made up to now. The inference being that once equal rights for homosexuals is approved then the next issue up to bat is gay marriage.
I am not persoanlly against gay marriage but had not seen this as a factor in this debate.