Move to end all discrimination is welcomed
By Amanda Dale
Government appeared to have announced an end to the legal discrimination of homosexuals.
The Throne Speech on Friday pledged amendments to the Human Rights Act 1981 to "ensure that no person is discriminated against in Bermuda".
Reading the speech, Governor Sir Richard Gozney said: "The intention of the Human Rights Act to prevent discrimination against all classes of people must be fulfilled.
"Therefore, the Act will be amended to ensure that no person is discriminated against in Bermuda."
Although Government did not confirm that the amendments would include that of sexual orientation, the wording "all classes of people" suggests the inclusion of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals.
In April former Culture Minister Dale Butler announced an amendment would be forthcoming when Parliament reconvened. However, after his resignation from Cabinet in June, Government fell quiet on the issue.
Last month, the Human Rights Commission said it feared the amendment had fallen off the legislative agenda.
Chairman Venous Memari said in a letter to Amnesty International Bermuda that a number of proposed amendments to the Human Rights Act were likely to be tabled in November — but that they failed to "prohibit discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation".
"Clearly, this glaring omission is a violation of all human rights laws and the right to human dignity," she wrote.
The HRC, Amnesty and the Bermuda Bar Association have all called on Government to amend the Act, to protect the rights of all gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people.
Ms Memari welcomed the Throne Speech announcement, adding: "If it means that the Human Rights Act is going to be amended to expand the grounds of discrimination to protect people on the grounds of sexual discrimination and age, then certainly we welcome it and are very grateful for it, because that is what the Human Rights Commission has been advocating for the past ten years.
"It remains to be seen as to how the amendments will be drafted, but if that's the intention then I am very pleased."
'Two Words and a Comma' has also been campaigning for change since April 2007.
The group formed after Government MP Renee Webb failed to get an amendment passed by MPs in 2006. It was vehemently opposed by churches and religious groups.
Government however, first promised to amend the Act in 2004.
In recent months 'Two Words and a Comma' supporters have been lobbying MPs to change the law in the spirit of non-discrimination.
An amendment to the Human Rights Act would make it unlawful for anyone to discriminate on the grounds of sexual orientation in such areas as the provision of goods, facilities and services, housing, contracts, and employment.
Campaigners say surveys in 2006 and 2007 had shown that up to 90 percent of Bermudians did not support such discrimination.
Bermuda has long held a reputation for being anti-gay. Homosexual acts between men were only legalised in the Stubbs Act 1994, setting an age of consent of 18.
Selina Bean, of Two Words and a Comma, said: "The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the principle of non-discrimination, which is a positive development.
"As a supporter of the 'Two Words' amendment I look forward to seeing the wording of the proposed amendment."
Mark Anderson, known locally and internationally for the drag act Sybil Barrington, aka the Queen of Bermuda, told The Royal Gazette: "I think it's a step in the right direction and am very much overwhelmed at what was said.
"There have been people murdered in Bermuda because of their sexual orientation and we have also seen people leave the Island to escape the bigotry and discrimination.
"We have had people uncomfortable in their own skin because they can't be who they are and express themselves. There have also been people forced out of their homes because of their sexual preference.
"This amendment is going to benefit us all."
