Gay rights in the Bahamas

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Contents 1 Social situation 2 Legislation and constitutional motions 3 Gay marriage views 4 External link

[edit] Social situation

The Bahamas is a democratic country where there is general respect for the rights and freedoms of the individual. However, homosexuality, though legal, is not well tolerated especially when it becomes “evident.”

Homosexuals could be confronted with anti-gay remarks if they express themselves openly, i.e. coming out publicly, holding hands on a public street or wearing clothing associated with the opposite sex. Though reports of violence against gays and lesbians are rare, religious-based verbal attacks are not. Anyone disobeying established gender roles in dress and mannerisms could be subject to jeering.

Individual and small groups of gay tourists are left alone for the most part but boatloads of gay visitors have been protested on two separate occasions over the past 10 years.

[edit] Legislation and constitutional motions

Homosexual relations between consenting adults were legalised in July of 1991. The age of consent is 18. But since 1991, no legislation has been passed to address the human rights concerns of gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender (GLBT) people. There was a glimmer of hope in 2001 when the Employment Bill was proposed. The Bill sought to bar discrimination in the workplace based on sexual orientation but, after much debate, it was passed with that clause removed.

In addition, the Constitutional Reform Commission, which had been reviewing the country’s unamended 1973 Supreme law since 2003, presented a preliminary report to the government on March 21, 2006. The Commission indicated that equal treatment be afforded to citizens regardless of sex and gender. However, despite recommendations, it did not regard sexual orientation as an attribute deserving of protection from discrimination.

[edit] Gay marriage views

As far as gay marriages are concerned, several pastors and Justices of the Peace, who have privately performed such ceremonies for years, are now running the risk of being exposed. A lesbian woman complained to a local paper after reportedly having paid an exorbitant fee to marry her long-term partner. The story got the attention of the president of The Bahamas Christian Council who warned that criminal charges would be brought against clergymen found performing gay marriages.

Further, on August 27, 2006, a pastor who had written many articles against homosexuality in a newspaper column, held a “Help Save the Family Rally” in downtown Nassau. The purpose of the rally was to oppose same-sex civil unions and marriages. Hundreds of people attended the event and signed a petition calling for a constitutional amendment to ban gay marriages in The Bahamas. Several cabinet ministers were also in attendance but it is not known whether they would consider such legislation.

[edit] External link

• Rainbow Alliance of The Bahamas - Bahamas National Gay Rights Group (latest local GLBT news and information)