NEW YORK CITY: Gay Activists Disrupt Speech By Jamaican Prime Minister
Jamaican Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller was delivering the keynote speech at the Sixth Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference in New York City on Thursday when she was interrupted by LGBT activists. Via the Washington Blade:
The advocates challenged the Jamaican prime minister over what they perceive as her government’s insufficient response to rampant anti-LGBT violence on the island that continues to make headlines around the world. This includes the release of a video earlier this month that reportedly shows a gay teenager being stoned to death in a street. The Jamaica-Gleaner, a Jamaican newspaper, reported that Simpson-Miller challenged the protesters from the podium. “Nobody ever hears the government of Jamaica beating up gays; not one,” she said. “Let me tell you something; you want to disturb, you can disturb, but this woman came here with the blood of Nanny of the Maroons and the spirit of Marcus Mosiah Garvey, and this woman is not afraid of no man, nowhere, anywhere. And I will speak the truth everywhere.” Members of the advocacy group also confronted her outside the church. They chanted “Gay rights Portia. Protect Jamaica’s gays” as she entered the building.Several months ago US-based hate group leaders including Mat Staver and Judith Reisman traveled to Jamaica where they spoke against the repeal of the country's anti-sodomy laws. Also recently appearing in Jamaica in support of anti-LGBT laws was Peter LaBarbera. Watch Simpson-Miller's furious reaction below.
Labels: activism, Jamaica, LGBT rights, NYC