The Tribune

By RASHAD ROLLE

Tribune Staff Reporter

rrolle@tribunemedia.net

FNM Chairman Darron Cash emphasised yesterday that while FNM MPs are committed to equalising rights for men and women in this country, legitimate concerns about the process leading up to the expected November constitutional referendum exist within his party.

He was asked for comment on concerns expressed by FNM MPs about the government’s constitutional referendum bills that seemed to contradict party leader Dr Hubert Minnis’ firm support on behalf of his party for the government’s proposals when the bills were tabled in Parliament several weeks ago.

On Monday, Central and South Abaco MP Edison Key suggested that Dr Minnis might have spoken too soon in saying the FNM fully supports the government’s proposals, noting that the issue was never discussed with him.

Montagu MP Richard Lightbourn and East Grand Bahama MP Peter Turnquest have all expressed some degree of concern about some of the bills.

However, Mr Cash explained that their questions over the proposed legislation does not lessen their commitment to women’s equality.

“Expressions of concern in no way, shape or form suggest that they are any less committed to the overall objective of full equality for women. What they have spoken to are legitimate concerns about the process and how it has unfolded to this point.”

Although last week he urged Prime Minister Perry Christie to give a “full throated apology” to the FNM for the part he played in the vote “no” campaign ahead of the 2002 referendum, Mr Cash yesterday said it’s time for all stakeholders to move forward, helping to bring about “necessary” constitutional changes.

“I am satisfied in saying that all of us having recognised the decisions to this point are prepared to move on, to look for solutions to the way forward,” he said. “More specifically, we are looking for a way to achieve our overall objections. It’s not about pointing fingers or reminding people about what has been done, but to find solutions.”

In finding solutions to concerns that have been raised over the constitutional referendum bills, Mr Cash said particular attention must be paid to the fourth bill, which proposes to end discrimination based on sex.

“People have genuine concerns about the bills because the consultation has not been very broad to this point,” he said. “We must now move with haste, get to the point where the parliamentarians and leaders of the party are able to come to terms that will satisfy the constitutionally required mandate for passage and that the bills address all legitimate concerns. Ultimately, the general public must be educated as to what the bills are seeking to achieve and their concerns and fears have to be satisfactorily addressed. Finding a solution also revolves around the fact that political leaders must come to an understanding that while it is their responsibility to lead they cannot jeopardize the entire process by passing bills that seeks to take the Bahamian people much farther ahead than they are prepared to move at this time.

“Bill 4 has emerged as an important litmus test because significant numbers of Bahamian associate its language with suggestions of opening the door to same-sex marriage. The propriety of what they are trying to do cannot be jeopardised by pushing that particular bill. People are so diametrically opposed to anything that can remotely lead to same sex-marriage that they would vote against the entire series of bills when they vote.”

Mr Cash said he believes representatives can work through their differences in time for the referendum to be held as scheduled on November 6.