In contrast to earlier times, our state now recognizes that an individual’s capacity to establish a loving and long-term committed relationship with another person and responsibly to care for and raise children does not depend upon the individual’s sexual orientation,” George wrote for the majority in ringing language that delighted gay rights activists.

Source: MSNBC

It seems appropriate on the eve of the Gospelfest Show that we should revisit one of the most vexing issues which has emerged in modern society. The issue of homosexuality will predictably evoke a flurry of comments which will seek to label the Barbados Underground household as homophobic. By now it should be evident that the BU household is firmly moored to a traditional set of values which has served our household well. The unwillingness of Barbadians to be proactive in structuring the kind of society which it wishes to adopt on a moral front is disappointing and regrettable.

It was note worthy to listen to Prime Minister Bruce Golding of Jamaica addressing boldly the issue of homosexuality in his cabinet, as he appeared on the BBC show HARDtalk. He stated in unequivocal terms that it is not his intention to include homosexuals in his cabinet. Despite being grilled by the HARDtalk host he remained resolute that the culture of Jamaica supported his decision. Interesting indeed!

The position articulated by Prime Minister Golding of Jamaica contrasts starkly with that of Barbados. Does anyone remember the call-in show which was aired before the last general election on VOB – January 06, 2008 which featured the current Minister of Family, Youth Affairs, Sport & Environment and the Reverend Joseph Atherley? BU was very critical of the position taken then by both candidates on the weak position presented on how either party intended to pursue the issue of homosexuality on attaining office.

Some members of the BU household have resigned themselves to the fact that the homosexual movement has become and unrelenting force.

Many Barbadians still respect their culture which disagrees with the homosexual lifestyle and would not want that lifestyle to become prevalent. When the David Thompson government was sworn in earlier in the year many Barbadians were heartened by the involvement of the Church at the ceremony. Maybe we are wrong but we suspect certain expectations were peaked. There was a feeling of hope that the declining values and morals which is evident in modern Barbados were about to be arrested. To her credit Minister Esther Byer-Suckoo has been Prime Minister Thompson’s most visible minister, the uncertainty which she exhibited on the issue of homosexuality back in January confirms to BU she was uncomfortable in her skin on the issue. We suspect that her public offering on how her government intended to manage the homosexual issue was driven by a desire to be politically expedient.

Barbados is a small country which is rapidly being subsumed by a multi-ethnic population. Unfortunately certain core values which have guided our society very well through the years are being diluted. We appreciate that we have to respect the sexual orientation of all of our people. However, there is nothing to say we have to agree with it. We may appreciate in the so-call free world market the need for Barbados to operate in a common economic space. What we don’t appreciate is the willingness by Barbados to prostitute its value system for thirty pieces of silver.

Label BU whatever you want, if it means that we have to accept one more label, so be it. Our conscience shall be our guide!