T&T gay community wants equal rights

Toronto's annual Gay Rights parade attracts up to a million people. Canada is one of the few countries in the world that allows legal same-sex marriages and gay couples enjoy full equality

Planning Minister Mary King stirred up a hornet's nest in the Senate this week when she introduced the subject of the equal rights of gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender (GLBT) people in Trinidad and Tobago and suggested that it is time for a national debate on the issue.

The subject has been an emotionally charged one in many communities where homosexuality remains a criminal act.

In Jamaica, Prime Minister Bruce Golding stated publicly last year that he would not support homosexuality, adding that no gay person would service in his government.

Now the gay community is Trinidad and Tobago is demanding equal rights and protection. However Colin Robinson, spokesman for the Coalition Advocating for the Inclusion of Sexual Orientation (CAISO) is not keen on a national debate.

"The Government isn't listening...We've consistently asked for action to prevent discrimination and violence, for attention to homelessness, to make schools safe for young people, to train police," he told the Trinidad Express.

"We've repeatedly asked them to listen and consult, and offered our help with building a nation for everyone but they have not heard us," Robinson said.


Robinson is not demanding rights such as legal gay marriages, which take place in countries like Canada. He said a starting point would be an amendment to the Sexual Offences Act or decriminalise sexual activities to protect GLBT people from discrimination and violence.

"It probably would be appropriate to decriminalise some offences of sexuality and homosexual behaviour before looking at the recognition of same-sex relationships", Robinson said.

CAISO wants is for the Prime Minister and the Attorney General to speak out forcefully "to embrace the full citizenship and humanity of Trinbagonians who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender (GLBT)" and to hire persons from the gay community to policy roles in the Office of the Prime Minister and other relevant Government units.

It also wants legislation to offer protection from discrimination, based on sexual orientation and gender/gender identity. It would include training across the protective services to ensure officers understand sexual orientation and gender identity and respect and protect the right to equal access to justice, safety and security for gays.