Letter to the Editor
UK Order in Council: A callto disagree
Dear Sir,
It is now a well-known fact that throughan Order in Council by the British Government, our local HomosexualLaw has been repealed. This has been done in spite of the strongviews and objections expressed by many in our community, includingmembers of our Government during their campaigning in the election.
Legislation to this effect in other jurisdictions has often provento be the first step towards acceptance of such things as "loweringage of consent, the teaching of homosexuality as an alternativelifestyle in schools, legalisation of same sex marriages, andadoption by same sex couples," etc.
Many may be unaware that we have many friends in the United Kingdomwho feel equally as strong about the issues as we do. The moralcourage, voice and leadership of Baroness Young and other Membersof the House of Lords, offer great hope and encouragement on issuessuch as these.
Reports published by the news media and church organisations inthe United Kingdom reveal some very disturbing and frighteningtrends. An article published in the Sunday Times on 30th July,2000, by Melanie Phillips called, 'Why Should Gays Have Rightto Public Sex?' reveals some very disturbing details about whatis happening in the United Kingdom.
Here are some excerpts:
"The Home Office review of sexual offences which was publishedlast week inadvertently exposes the deep fallacy of the equalityargument. Its proposal to do away with the offence of gross indecencymeans that homosexuals would be able to have sex in public lavatories.They could be prosecuted only if distress to the public were demonstrated.The same change in Laws putting the onus on the public to complain,is proposed to cover indecency in all public places and betweenheterosexuals as well as homosexuals."
The article further states:
" 'Cruising and cottaging', however, the terms given to pickingup and having sex with men in public lavatories or other publicplaces, are an acknowledged feature of homosexual behaviour. Thepolice loathe their public convenience patrols because of thesordid and degrading scenes they discover.
Some public spaces have been made into `no-go' areas for familiesby homosexuals indulging in precisely this kind of activity. Partsof Hampstead Heath in London are now described in police circlesas akin to a 'safari park in Kenya in the mating season.' Thepolice, utterly cowed by the terror of being denounced for prejudice,have long abandoned our open spaces."
I wonder why we in the Cayman Islands are not informed about thiskind of degrading behaviour in the United Kingdom since the repealof its own Homosexual Laws in 1967? Why are we not informed aboutthe serious outcry and outrage of the majority of the Britishpeople over these issues?
For instance, opinion polls have consistently shown a majorityof Britons
against the lowering of the age of gay consent to 16 years ofage (Daily Mail, "Revolt Over Gay Consent", Thursday, 30th November, 2000). The most recent survey found 53% against,with only 35% in favour.
In two other articles in the Sunday Times on 30th January, 2000by Rosie Waterhouse, James Clark and Michael Prescott entitled,'Would You Want Your Child to Watch This?' and 'School Video TellsChildren to Try Gay Sex', the following are excerpts:
A video that encourages school children as young as 14 years oldto experiment with gay sex has caused outrage among MPs and familycampaigners.
The video also asks pupils, aged 14-16, to discuss whether a fictional15-year-old boy - Michael - should have unprotected gay sex withhis boyfriend. In it, a young college student named Karl, unabashedlylooks straight into the camera and tells the public that, to attainsexual satisfaction, they should "try experimenting withboth boys and girls to see who you feel most comfortable with."
The videotape that includes these scenes and snatches of boysand girls engaged in same-sex kissing, is already, according toits producer, being used in 180 schools in England. With it comeslesson planning advice for teachers, who are told to encouragerole-playing fantasies by their pupils. Teenagers should imaginethemselves as characters, including a black lesbian who is alsoa wheelchair user; a bisexual granny' a married man who has sexin secret with other men; and a 15-year-old Chinese bisexual youth.
The game involves finding whether all the characters are equalin areas such as kissing in public; having sex legally at age16; "having the sex you want when you want it"; adoptingchildren; and working in a children's nursery.
Entitled 'Beyond A Phase: A Practical Guide To Challenging Homophobiain Schools', the video and leaflet are produced by the HealthPromotion Service in Avon, funded by Avon Health Authority."
These are but a few examples of the issues of moral decay theBritish people face. I am alarmed and appalled by these reports.
My fellow Caymanians and residents alike, with all that is happeningin the United Kingdom against the wishes of the majority of theBritish people, do we really believe that respect for the valuesand traditions of the Caribbean region will be shown? I say NO!!!
The church community does not lack concern for homosexual people.We indeed have a great concern for them and believe they deservethe same respect and compassion due to all who come to us forpastoral care. We cannot, however, support any active homosexuallifestyle.
The imposition of the recent Order in Council by the British Governmenton this issue, against the wishes of our people and the absenceof action from our local Government, very much reaches at the'social roots' that have helped us enjoy years of peace and prosperity,and have attracted the international community to our shores asresidents and visitors alike.
This action must raise serious concerns in the minds of our people.Will the British Government not act in the same manner over otherissues with which the Overseas Territories and they disagree?
As a pastor, parent and concerned citizen,I cannot keep silent on this issue.
I forewarn our people, who have been blessed beyond our wildestdreams, even if others know nothing of the Divine Hands that haveguided, provided and protected us thus far, "we have no excuse."Even if others deny this Divine Protection, "we have no excuse."The preservation from natural disasters is no accident and "wehave no excuse."
The removal of these Laws will be the removal of another pillarof stability in our community - and as the glory and protectiondeparted from other nations - so too will it depart from the CaymanIslands - a sign will be hung in the heavenlies saying, "Ichabod- the glory has departed! - and so has our protection!"
We can rest assured that when this happens and the winds blow,the rains fall, the earth quakes and the violence increases, Ialong with many other concerned citizens, families and Christianswill still be here ministering the love, mercy and grace of Godto everyone.
And many will stand wondering in that day, "why is all thishappening to us?" But the message will be the same: "Iwill honour those who honour Me, says the Lord, and those whodespise Me will be lightly esteemed." 1 Samuel 2:30.
I therefore call upon all people in the Cayman Islands to takea strong stand and send a clear message to all, that we stronglydeplore and disagree with this action by the British Government.
In the strength, humility, grace and love of Christ Jesus ourLord, and with the greatest of respect for all in authority.
"Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach toany people."
Proverbs 14:34.
Pastor Al Ebanks
Chairman
Cayman Ministers' Association