The Editor, Sir:

It would be very interesting to note the reaction of the prime minister, should he be told of all the upstanding, prominent Jamaicans who are closeted homosexuals or bisexuals.

The point is that one's sexual proclivity is not in anyway linked to or intertwined with one's standards and ability to perform as an exemplary citizen. No one understands what causes some human beings to be not only sexually attracted to, but also completely drawn to someone of the same sex as if they were of the opposite sex. Many theories abound, some of which are only partial truths and some that are quite ridiculous. But until the answer is found, each person must be regarded as a human being deserving of all the respect and opportunities to which all human beings are entitled.

Disappointing

Therefore, it is sad and disappointing that the PM's stance and tone should be one of ostracism and alienation, regardless of the person's ability to get the job done and help this country reach its pinnacle of success. It reeks of narrow-mindedness and bigotry.

To add to the stink, Mr Golding has also sought to defend his stance by saying that "my government is not about to erode the country's innate values that determine both its prejudices and morals". To show the danger in this statement, the analogy which can be drawn is this: in the height of racial segregation and apartheid in America, the morals and prejudices of the whites were to treat blacks as less than human, to extirpate and annihilate them just because of the colour of their skin, something over which the victims had no control. But the morals and prejudices of this group had to be changed because they infringed on basic human rights.

I am, etc.,

J. BORELAND

jirmz@yahoo.co.uk