As the debate in St Vincent and the Grenadines continues on whether society accepts the LGBT lifestyle, Prime Minister Gonsalves has called upon the churches for a second time to answer questions.
In his first call the Prime Minister asked the churches to hold an open conversation on Homosexuality.
Gonsalves is now seeking clarity from churches within the state on whether homosexual acts among consenting adults in private should not be a crime.
Following the physical attack on a group of young men who lives an openly gay lifestyle, much calls have been made by most of the population to have the laws remain the way they currently are in relation to buggery.
Gonsalves speaking on WEFM said that he understands and respects the view of the church that homosexuality is an unnatural act and is a sin.
However, he said religious groupings also claim that while several other acts are considered sins, these are not viewed as criminal offences.
Persons have been voicing opinions on various radio program and social media that, Adultery and fornication is also a sin, however there has not been much uproar and vigor to contain such.
Anglican Bishop of the Windward Islands, C Leopold Friday said that “while rejecting homosexual practice as incompatible with Scripture, calls on all our people to minister pastorally and sensitively to all irrespective of sexual orientation and to condemn irrational fear of homosexuals”.
The above statement was quoted by the Bishop from a resolution of the church.
An investigation has been launched into the physical and verbal assault of two “openly gay” in Calliaqua and which was circulated via social media showing the men running from thugs in fear for their life.
Police commissioner Colin John told News784 that the matter was reported to the Calliaqua police station by the two men.
He said they were given medical forms by the police which was filled out and returned.
Following the attack, Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves says it is unbecoming and wrong for anyone to physically assault a person based on any prejudice they may have toward that individual due to his/her sexual orientation.
Gonsalves condemned the incident and said that such irrational homophobia is entirely unacceptable.
No one has been arrested in the matter so far.
