The lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual community exists in T&T. Sadly our citizenry has not matured to a mindset to appreciate or respect these sexual orientations.The Catholic Church has staunchly affirmed its opposition to the concept of same sex marriages. This is a view shared by most Christians. Throughout history the Catholic Church has come under scrutiny for its opposition since many accusations have been made that there is a large amount of homosexuals within the clergy. Be that as it may, the fact is that they do not openly express their true feelings or lobby for same sex marriages because of respect for the religions principles and values.
The Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha General Secretary Satnarine Maharaj said in an interview that the Hindu marriage ordinance was clearly defined as being "between a male and a female." When asked if the Maha Sabha would allow same sex marriages should it become legal in T&T, he was reported to have said, "I don't think it will happen here but we are not supportive of it.
From a religious organisation standpoint, most, if not all, would stand on the belief that marriage is between a man and a woman and not a man and a man or a woman and a woman," he said, adding "no religious organisation would approve of same sex marriages."
When the National Gender Policy was proposed, a gathering of representatives from all religious groups were displeased and upset that the Government was contemplating to implement abortion and gay rights in the policy. The then Minister of Gender, Youth and Child Development, Verna St Rose was said to have been lobbying for this and she faced harsh objection.
Brother Nobel Khan, of the Muslim faith, allegedly said, "legalisation of same sex unions and abortions will have repercussions on society. This law is an evil step to take."
Why should the Prime Minister bring forth legislation to address this issue? It is a slap to the face of the population if this done without any consultation. For the past ten years this has been an issue and nothing has been positively done. At least the Government has made a stance and expressed its view on the subject.
What people do in their own homes is their business. I don't think it is fair to make an entire population upset and disgruntled to please a mere 30,000 citizens. I have no problem with the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual community but lobbying to decriminalise it would only facilitate open discrimination.
Ashton Maharaj