Michael Abrahams | Betty Ann Blaine's stagnation

Last week, I read Betty Ann Blaine’s column ‘Holness’ flawed theory of evolution’, and, as a Jamaican citizen and physician who cares about the physical, mental and social well-being of my fellow Jamaicans, I feel the need to call out Ms Blaine for her bigoted and backward discourse.

What got Ms Blaine’s knickers in a knot were comments made by Prime Minister Andrew Holness to journalists in Brussels, Belgium, in April this year while at the African, Caribbean and Pacific meeting. Regarding having gays in his Cabinet, he said that he would have no problem with it. 

Among other things, Holness said, "Certainly, it's not my business. Whatever is in my interest to distribute politically, a person's sexuality, sexual orientation is not a criterion for the use of my discretion. It's not an issue that we are afraid to address. The truth is that in the past, like many developed countries, there was a very conservative view on the matter."

He added, "The culture is evolving. People are evolving. Even in the Church, which, 10 years ago, had a unified position, the Church in Jamaica now has multiple positions on this. I think Jamaica ought to be given space to find its own position to the problems. But, you know, I think we are generally very liberal, but more so very tolerant. And I think that the first step is that the State protect the human rights of every citizen, regardless of sexual orientation or inclination.”

Blaine took Holness to task about his ‘theory of evolution’, stating that Holness “can now be counted among those persons attempting to speak authoritatively, yet not convincingly, on that subject”. She then asked: “How and when did we the people of Jamaica evolve? And what does Mr Holness mean by evolve, and which Jamaicans and how many are evolving?”

If Blaine took the time to objectively and dispassionately read the prime minister’s comments, the answer to her very stupid questions would be obvious. He explained himself eloquently. He was simply making the point that we are becoming more tolerant regarding LGBT issues, and I agree. 

Ten years ago, we had a prime minister who stated that he would not allow gays in his Cabinet. Now we have a leader who says that he has no issue with it, and rightly so. 

A person’s sexual orientation has no relevance when being considered for a Cabinet post. Experience, competence, character and work ethic are way more important. Holness himself has evolved. In a debate prior to the general election in 2011, when asked (twice) if, like his predecessor, Bruce Golding, he had issues with gays in his Cabinet, he waffled. Now he confidently states that he does not.

The term ‘evolution’ is often used to describe the appearance of new species of organisms, but, in a broader sense, it refers to a gradual process of advancement, which is the context in which it was used by Holness. 

Queer folk are some of the most misunderstood, scorned and maligned people on the planet. They are harassed and discriminated against mercilessly, and laws to protect them from discrimination are woefully inadequate. In fact, many laws exist that oppress them. For example, Tanzania’s president, Paul Makonda, recently announced that there will be an anti-gay “crackdown” and intends to round up and arrest all gay people in that country - simply for being gay.

But Blaine, being the religious zealot that she is, lacks empathy for the LGBT community, and, like several of her sex-obsessed peers, reduces the complex phenomenon of homosexuality to anal sex, and hurries to point out our rejection of attempts to repeal the buggery law, then quotes scriptures referring to gay people as “wrongdoers” who will not inherit the “kingdom of God”. She then vilifies comprehensive sex education and quotes Genesis and its version of creation, before concluding, “Mr Holness' flawed theory needs to be quickly and permanently debunked.”

The truth is that it is Ms Blaine who needs to evolve. She is entitled to her opinions and religious beliefs, but it would be in her best interest to educate herself regarding human sexuality. Members of the LGBT community are like the rest of our Jamaican population.

They are human beings with feelings, not freaks of nature. They desire love and companionship just like the rest of us. They are our co-workers, our schoolmates, our neighbours, our brothers, our sisters and our children, and deserve no less respect than heterosexuals.

Evolution is about becoming educated and aware. It is about justice and fairness. It is about being realistic and mature. It is about time that Ms Blaine evolve from her stagnant state of ignorance and obstinate adherence to archaic perspectives on sexual orientation and behaviour.

- Michael Abrahams is a gynaecologist and obstetrician, comedian and poet. Email feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and michabe_1999@hotmail.com, or tweet @mikeyabrahams.