Dear Editor,
I disagree with the author of the letter headlined "Gays should be treated fairly", that the buggery law is about viewing and treating gay Jamaicans as criminals in their own country.
The law applies to both homosexuals and heterosexuals and does not deny anyone, including those with same-sex attraction and identity, the protections and rights in the recently passed Charter of Rights.
The law addresses intimate behaviour and underpins the philosophy that all behaviours are not "normal and positive." Further, the "Buggery Law" anticipates the fundamental re-socialisation which will occur if all intimate behaviours are considered to be "normal and positive".
With respect to Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) the "Buggery Law" makes all activities, including but not limited to, fisting, felching, rimming, "farming", chariot racing, scat and anal penetration criminal.
The fundamental questions before Jamaican citizens and lawmakers is whether or not such behaviours should be regarded as "normal and positive aspects of sexual behaviour" and whether or not the Jamaican society should be re-organised to reflect and embrace these values.
Wayne West
Kingston 6
More on the buggery law
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I disagree with the author of the letter headlined "Gays should be treated fairly", that the buggery law is about viewing and treating gay Jamaicans as criminals in their own country.
The law applies to both homosexuals and heterosexuals and does not deny anyone, including those with same-sex attraction and identity, the protections and rights in the recently passed Charter of Rights.
The law addresses intimate behaviour and underpins the philosophy that all behaviours are not "normal and positive." Further, the "Buggery Law" anticipates the fundamental re-socialisation which will occur if all intimate behaviours are considered to be "normal and positive".
With respect to Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) the "Buggery Law" makes all activities, including but not limited to, fisting, felching, rimming, "farming", chariot racing, scat and anal penetration criminal.
The fundamental questions before Jamaican citizens and lawmakers is whether or not such behaviours should be regarded as "normal and positive aspects of sexual behaviour" and whether or not the Jamaican society should be re-organised to reflect and embrace these values.
Wayne West
Kingston 6
More on the buggery law
-->