THE EDITOR, Sir:
I OFFER some comments on Dr. Garth Rattray's recent article 'Teach Tolerance in Schools'. He used as basis Rev. Ernle Gordon's recent call for a greater teaching and understanding of sex and sexual-related issues at the school level. While Dr. Rattray is in favour of 'tolerance', he is opposed to 'teaching homosexuality' as well as 'repealing the buggery law', stating that this would cause political suicide, given the social taboos and as he put it, 'we have much more important issues to deal with in our society'.
This is where I have a major problem. Firstly, no one suggested teaching homosexuality, this is absurd, if not ridiculous and I'm surprised so many readers have taken the statements made out of context to suit their own agendas. I'm surprised at Dr. Rattray, being a family doctor; surely he has to deal with these issues within his own practice! Believe it or not, there have actually been suicides in Jamaica by youngsters having to confront and deal with their homosexuality, with no form of support, and having to face a society and its harsh Victorian laws which terrorise anyone with these tendencies!
Homosexuality can neither be 'taught' (in or out of classrooms), nor can it be 'caught' (like some infectious disease'). Secondly, human rights and tolerance are the bases of any modern and progressive society in the 21st century!
Discrimination is largely based on ignorance, phobias (fear) and lack of intelligence. Tolerance is a step in the right direction, but it must be reflected and supported by the laws and systems of any State. Once human rights and respect are enforced, everything else tend to fall into place, leading to a better quality of life for not just a few, but for all!
I support those leaders calling for repealing the archaic buggery law, it not only discriminates against one sector, but quite frankly the State has absolutely no business in the bedrooms of consenting adults. As Dr. Rattray would agree, the State does have far more urgent issues to deal with, but repealing such a law or opening it up to debate is not exactly rocket science, nor does it have to form part of any official political manifesto or platform! Simply put, it just 'has to be done'.
Repealing a law does not force us to condone anything; on the contrary, it forces us to respect each other as individuals despite our differences or even preferences.
Teaching our young more about sex and sexuality-related issues will lead to greater understanding and awareness. Sex is indeed a part of life, and we need to accept this fact and deal with it.
I am etc.,
Dr. P. DELISSER
PDelisser1986@yahoo.com
New York
Via Go-Jamaica
