Dear Editor,
Friday's (December 13, 2013) joint sitting of Parliament paid tribute to the deceased great South African leader, Nelson Mandela. This was done right after the PM so aptly represented us at the memorial in Johannesburg, South Africa.
As reported, 21 senators and MPs lauded a deserving man. However, the question on my mind is whether this was mere formality or a façade. Do they really know the true meaning of Mandela's life and struggles. We know what Mandela stood for, he was a strong supporter of equality. And yet, while these 21 spoke eloquently in the Parliament of Madiba, there were several young men living in the gullies not far from there.
Successive administrations have been reluctant to put any motion before the Parliament to abolish the antiquated buggery law. This law and the constant utterances of homophobia have forced many young men on the streets of Kingston. How different is this from the apartheid law that Mandela stood against?
Mandela, as president of a democratic South Africa, ushered in a new constitution which included protection from discrimination based on sexual orientation. So, while the Parliament continues to ignore the human dignity of LGBT in Jamaica, persons living with HIV/AIDS and persons living with disabilities, the same Parliament pays tribute to a man that advocated for these persons.
As we continue to celebrate the life of Nelson Mandela, we must never lose sight of the fact that he also stood up against structures that discriminate. We must attempt to walk the shadow of Mandela's full legacy if we truly mean to pay him homage.
Ralston Chamberlain
ralston.chamberlain@alum.utoronto.ca
Mere formality?
-->
Friday's (December 13, 2013) joint sitting of Parliament paid tribute to the deceased great South African leader, Nelson Mandela. This was done right after the PM so aptly represented us at the memorial in Johannesburg, South Africa.
As reported, 21 senators and MPs lauded a deserving man. However, the question on my mind is whether this was mere formality or a façade. Do they really know the true meaning of Mandela's life and struggles. We know what Mandela stood for, he was a strong supporter of equality. And yet, while these 21 spoke eloquently in the Parliament of Madiba, there were several young men living in the gullies not far from there.
Successive administrations have been reluctant to put any motion before the Parliament to abolish the antiquated buggery law. This law and the constant utterances of homophobia have forced many young men on the streets of Kingston. How different is this from the apartheid law that Mandela stood against?
Mandela, as president of a democratic South Africa, ushered in a new constitution which included protection from discrimination based on sexual orientation. So, while the Parliament continues to ignore the human dignity of LGBT in Jamaica, persons living with HIV/AIDS and persons living with disabilities, the same Parliament pays tribute to a man that advocated for these persons.
As we continue to celebrate the life of Nelson Mandela, we must never lose sight of the fact that he also stood up against structures that discriminate. We must attempt to walk the shadow of Mandela's full legacy if we truly mean to pay him homage.
Ralston Chamberlain
ralston.chamberlain@alum.utoronto.ca
Mere formality?
-->