Jul 29 - ERG Calls Extraordinary Meeting – Group Says ‘People Incensed’ By Chief Minister’s Referendum Comments
The Equality Rights Group (ERG) has said that there has been a “surge of very strong feeling” following the Chief Minister’s recent comments on GBC’s 'Direct Democracy' radio and television programme regarding the proposals put forward by the group on civil marriage for all.
The group says that, although it is in the middle of its annual Summer break, it is of the view that the “level of concern and feeling is so high” that it has had to make arrangements for an extraordinary consultative meeting to take place in the coming days “in order to avoid escalation.”
Chairman Felix Alvarez released the following statement:
“It comes down to this: many LGBT people are incensed with the Chief Minister’s suggestion that Government may be considering putting the question of civil marriage change to a Referendum – and not, as happened with Civil Partnership and other issues, as part of the electoral offering in the Alliance’s upcoming manifesto. This has been received as a hard smack in the face by many.
“The reasons are clear: no other sector in this Community has ever been singled out for the rest to ponder whether they are worthy enough or deserve to be be considered and treated as equals, or not. When I say ‘no sector’,” Mr Alvarez emphasized, “I mean none, zero. Referendums are reserved for matters of high constitutional concern, such as sovereignty, for instance. A lot of people have felt affronted and offended by the remarks made by the Chief Minister on the programme yesterday, and whilst it is fair to say he expressed his personal agreement with full equality for the LGBT community, his hesitation as leader of a Government which has exercised leadership on equality to date to categorically commit politically to standing up for those beliefs and values now, as he did with Civil Partnership in the face of opposition then, is a source of much incomprehension, disappointment, and anger for many. Despite Mr Picardo's statements, equality for the LGBT community is indeed a party political issue and this issue is inevitably part of the election campaign. It is no longer 'business as usual'. The LGBT community has found its voice and its vote and will exercise them both.
“As Chairman of ERG, I have had plenty of occasion to work alongside the Chief Minister and Government, and I am hopeful that, after due consideration he, the Ministerial team, and the GSLP/Liberal Alliance will stand by the LGBT community on this matter, as indeed has been the case before, by committing to One Civil Marriage Law for All in their upcoming manifesto and without intervening plebiscites. And for the best of reasons: because it is simply the right and consistent thing to do for any Government serious about equality! As Chairman, I am at the Chief Minister's disposal for any discussions that may need to take place.
“Meantime, after many months of waiting, this group has still received no response whatsoever from the Leader of the Opposition or the GSD as a Party with regard to this issue,” the statement ended.
{fcomment}
