The Tribune

THE Seventh-day Adventist Church said it believes and advocates that all Bahamians have the right to exercise with equality their privileges and freedoms as citizens.

“As it relates to the issue of gender equality, the Seventh-day Adventist Church views both males and females as having been created in the image and likeness of God as noted in Genesis 1:27,” the church said.

“Given this fact, the Adventist Church commends the bi-partisan vote of Parliament as it sought to address the obvious gender inequality in the constitution of the Bahamas. Furthermore, the Adventist Church affirms its support for the fundamental principle of treating all citizens (male, female, young, old, religious, non-religious, of whichever socio economic or ethnic background) as equals under the law.”

Notwithstanding some concerns expressed by some of its members regarding aspects of the bills, the Seventh-day Adventist Church said it continues to believe in the objective of addressing the present inequalities relating to men and women in this country.

“Additionally, the Seventh-day Adventist Church urges all involved to present, discuss, and educate our citizens without any hint of politicising this critical national issue. Accordingly, while encouraging support for participation and discussion in the upcoming referendum slated for June 7, 2016, the Seventh-day Adventist Church respects the rights of its members to exercise their God-given and constitutional freedom to choose based on the dictates of their conscience,” the church said.