THE EDITOR, Sir:
THE ISSUE of repealing the buggery law must be given a lot of thought and must be debated widely. This in not just an issue for the government and clergy but all levels of society.
If the Government is looking at any plan to stem the spread of HIV/AIDS, repealing the law is a duty to the people of Jamaica. Any other action would be a disservice to the people of Jamaica. There are some cultures where men have anal sex with women because of the concept of procreation before marriage; however this is seen as very normal and does not bear the same stigma with men engaging in the same act. Repealing the law is a good idea but there must be an educational component to educate the public as well around the benefit of doing so.
Repealing the law does not mean that more people are going to start having anal sex, it will allow for consenting adults in the privacy of their homes to be protected by law. The church, human rights groups and the gay community must continue to advocate for the repealing of the buggery law. This repealing of the buggery law will also hold the police accountable or responsible to investigate crimes that are committed against gays.
The Government will have to give this issue more attention, and to take a less aggressive approach, and show some leadership to make sure that the buggery law is repealed.
I am, etc.,
MELBOURNE THOMPSON
spikecat73@hotmail.com
Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention
Toronto
Canada
Via Go-Jamaica
