Started by: Paul Luftenegger
Bermuda MPs are about to vote on whether to outlaw discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation.According to a Government status report marking the first 100 days of Premier Paula Cox’s administration, changes to the Human Rights legislation will be tabled this parliamentary session.
The report, ‘Resetting the Dial’, outlines the progress made by Government since November 1 as well as future initiatives.
It states Government will be: “Developing policy changes which will see amendments on the Human Rights legislation including introduction of unreasonable hardship rules and provisions to enable the Minister to make regulations regarding discrimination on the basis of age or sexual orientation will be tabled in the Parliament during the second term.”
MPs were last asked to vote on the issue in 2006 when former PLP MP Renee Webb tabled a private member’s bill it failed after MPs gave it the silent treatment.
There was a pledge in the 2009 Throne Speech to change the Act “to ensure that no person is discriminated against in Bermuda” but an amendment has not been tabled since then.\
This article was taken from the Bermuda Royal Gazette and the full story can be found at the following wesite address: http://www.royalgazette.com/article/20110207/NEWS01/702079949
By Ruth O’Kelly-Lynch Published Feb 8, 2011 at 9:34 am (Updated Feb 8, 2011)
Equal rights campaigner and former MP Renee Webb said she is pleased Government is going to amend the Human Rights Act to include sexual orientation.
Last week Government released a booklet, ‘Resetting the Dial’, to mark the first 100 days of Premier Paula Cox’s administration.
In it Government outlined the progress they have made since November 1, 2010 and announced some of the initiatives they will undertake in the future.
The report states Government will be: “Developing policy changes which will see amendments on the Human Rights legislation including introduction of unreasonable hardship rules and provisions to enable the Minister to make regulations regarding discrimination on the basis of age or sexual orientation will be tabled in the Parliament during the second term.”
Yesterday Ms Webb said: “I am extremely pleased that the Government and hopefully the Opposition have seen that all human beings are created equal and that amending the legislation to include sexual orientation is the right thing to do.
“Nobody should be discriminated against.”
The last time MPs were asked to vote on the issue, in 2006 when Ms Webb tabled a private member’s bill, it failed after MPs gave it the ‘silent treatment’. There was a pledge in the 2009 Throne Speech to change the Act “to ensure that no person is discriminated against in Bermuda” but an amendment has not been tabled.
She said she believed MPs would find it easier this time around to amend the legislation.
“I think the educational campaign that Two Words and a Comma did in 2006 and after was a big help,” she said. “I was one of the founders of the group along with Suzanne Mayall and Ayo Johnson. We met with MPs, they got to hear real life stories of discrimination. I hope that the MPs will have the courage this time to do the right thing, doing the right thing doesn’t take courage.
“I think the Two Words and a Comma advertisements, which showed Bermudians standing up for equal rights, put a face to the issues.
“I think Bermuda has grown up since then and people realise discrimination and repression is not acceptable.
“It has been a long time coming. I think the Premier should be commended for moving forward with this.”
She said she believed MPs would find it easier this time around to amend the legislation.
“I think the educational campaign that Two Words and a Comma did in 2006 and after was a big help,” she said. “I was one of the founders of the group along with Suzanne Mayall and Ayo Johnson. We met with MPs, they got to hear real life stories of discrimination. I hope that the MPs will have the courage this time to do the right thing, doing the right thing doesn’t take courage.
“I think the Two Words and a Comma advertisements, which showed Bermudians standing up for equal rights, put a face to the issues.
“I think Bermuda has grown up since then and people realise discrimination and repression is not acceptable.
“It has been a long time coming. I think the Premier should be commended for moving forward with this.”
Help Bermuda's Government Know The World is Watching How They Vote On This Bill To Outlaw Same-Sex Discrimination
Greetings,Please help Bermuda's Government and MP's know that the world is watching how they vote on the bill that would protect same-sex individuals against discrimination. This is a monumental moment for Bermuda. Please hear the LGBT community cry for support.
I am a gay Canadian married to a gay Bermudian who has lived with discrimination in Bermuda for decades. We face countless hardships because we have no rights under the law as a couple. This is critical to our ability to live in Bermuda. We would love to have our own family one day and our dream will only be made possible by a vote to protect our human rights under the law.
This bill will save our families future. Please assist us by signing our petition to let the Bermuda Government know the world is watching this with full support.
Wishing you Peace, Love, Joy, Happiness, Prosperity, and Human Rights Protection For All...
Kindly,
A Gay Canadian and Gay Bermudian In Need of Support...[Your name]
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