End all discriminationJune 3, 2006

Dear Sir,To say that I am nearly blind with rage at the defeat of the Webb bill would be an understatement. As a gay person and a native Bermudian, I’ve fantasized about feeling free to enjoy the same rights as what everybody else in our society enjoys and takes for granted. What, do you really believe I enjoy being treated like a second-class citizen in my own birth country because of my sexual orientation?

Try walking down the hallway of your workplace only to year whispered in your wake “there goes the batty boy” and tell me how you’d feel. Such a technologically advanced society, yet at the same time lagging far behind the rest of the world in human rights. I would tell any gay person with upcoming travel plans to Bermuda to cancel them, the message being you all are not welcome here. This legally sanctioned discrimination should not be allowed. Our government uses the tag line “Bermuda.... feel the love” in promoting the island to the general public...Yeah, right!POWERLESS

PembrokeWe are all God’s childrenJune 1, 2006

Dear Sir,This letter is in response to the letter of May 17 by TEMPLE U of Hamilton Parish. I am writing this in response to you with regard to being a part of the interest group you mentioned in your letter. I am Rastafarian and I feel that it has been unfairly stated that we have not voiced our opinion on the issue of the drag queen business. If you really respect the Rastafarian Community you would take heed in what I am saying. I have not seen you march on Parliament about the issue.

There are many lifestyles that people do not agree with and Rastafari is one of them. Have you ever been turned down for a job or treated with utter disrespect because of your faith? Well, I have. Life and Livety is to be respected by all and Jah knows all things. It has been a long and hard struggle for the Rastafarian Community and yes, years ago we were classed as outcast in this society. Society has matured. Let us be real and state that there will always be issues with lifestyles. Who am I to judge? Please remember that we are all Jah’s children and the wages of Sin is Death and the gift of Jah is Eternal Life.WHO FEELS IT KNOWS IT

PembrokeA note of thanksJune 16, 2006

Dear Sir,We will be very grateful if you would print this letter. This is to express our gratitude to the many volunteers, members and non-members of Amnesty International Bermuda, for their participation in our Recent Tag Day on Saturday June 3rd. As any other Charity organisation acknowledges, without the help of the volunteers, our events would not be successful, so our heartfelt thanks to all who volunteered for our Tag Day. Also, our thanks to the Market Place, The Supermart, Miles Market, Lindo’s, White’s, Harrington Hundred’s, and the Phoenix Store, for allowing our volunteers to sell tags at their stores.

We are indeed very grateful for your cooperation. And last, but not least, to the people of Bermuda, who so generously give. We raised just over $5,000. These funds allow us to continue our human rights awareness and education programmes. Our sincere thanks to all who made all of this possible.LUCY ATTRIDE-STIRLING

Section Director

Amnesty international