The Editor, Sir:

I am a Jamaican living in the U.S.A. and a regular reader of The Gleaner on go-jamaica.com. After reading the article published on April 25, 2007 captioned "Witter warns gays" I wish to respond.

Firstly, violence is not the answer and I do not condone the act on Monday at the Western Mirror. With that said, how are we, gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) people supposed to protect ourselves against the attacks from those who are so 'repulsed' by who we are? Why should we set out to appease the narrow-mindedness of the populace?

'Do not flaunt our sexuality'

Mr. Witter asked that we do not flaunt our sexuality. How do we stop being who we are? Is he suggesting that we go back in the closet, get married and deny our identity? I am rather disappointed that he is the a Public Defender, since he expressly disapproved of the GLBT lifestyle. How can he defend someone who is charged with buggery? Or would he simply refuse the case?

We were further reminded that we should "keep our acts behind closed doors". Who told Mr. Witter that we are out breaking the law by committing buggery? I am sure that it is not unlawful for two males to hold hands or even to hug and kiss.

I do agree with Mr. Witter that the state needs to protect the rights and freedoms of the all citizens including the GLBT people by decriminalising of being gay. Like Martin Luther King, I look forward to the day when Jamaica will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal."

Name and address withheld on request.

Via Go-Jamaica.