The Editor, Sir:This is in response to Ryan Smith's letter dated April 27, and his comments about the public defender's statements about gays and lesbians.
I think what Ryan should understand is that Jamaica is a homophobic nation. They are very intolerant to gays and lesbians and the public defender's comment may not be what the world would expect someone in his position to say but what he said is real.
I am sure he would not make the same comment if a female wearing a short skirt was raped. As a matter of fact, the entire Jamaica would be outraged.
I don't think most Jamaicans can be educated to tolerate gays and lesbians. On the other hand, as the public defender said, he doesn't think there is any politician ambitious enough to address this matter. Any politican addressing this, by giving them the right to express themselves openly as in Canada, will never win another election in JA.
It may be a sad reality but JA is JA. Jamaicans only learn to be tolerant when they leave JA.
I am, etc.,
LORRAINE BROWN
lbrownrob@hotmail.com
Mississauga, Ontario, Canada