The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

In rebuffing those who are calling for clear language to amend Article 26 to prohibit both sex-based discrimination and same sex-marriage, the Hon Damian Gomez questioned if “they are harbouring insecurities about their sexual positions”.

As one of those calling for this clear language, I find the honourable minister’s statement disappointing and unnecessary.

Frankly, his statement only underscores this question that we continue to ask: If there is no hidden agenda to leave the constitutional door open regarding same-sex marriage, why would individuals like Minister Gomez oppose the use of clear language that would prohibit sex-based discrimination and at the same time protect against judicial imposition of same-sex marriage in The Bahamas?

Rather than vilify us, Minister Gomez and those who stand with him should answer us.

I was also disappointed with Minister Gomez’s careless comparison of our desire to constitutionally outlaw same-sex marriage in The Bahamas to Uganda’s criminalisation of homosexual conduct, and his scare tactic about how the United States might punish us for such a constitutional change. However, Dr Andre Rollins pointedly and courageously corrected the false comparison and scaremongering, and I commend Dr Rollins for doing so. Nevertheless, for the record, I feel compelled to say to Minister Gomez that while some Bahamians are unwilling to pay the price for the convictions they say they hold, by God’s grace, I am not one of them.

My deceased father, Paul Moss Sr, taught me and my siblings to have principled convictions and to go wherever those convictions take us. Therefore, by God’s grace, I’m not moved by threats, economic or otherwise; I will go where my principled convictions take me.

In light of all this, as it relates to amending Article 26, I say to Minister Damian Gomez and our other elected representatives: I, and countless other voters, believe in the equality of men and women, however we simply want clear and certain language to be used that prohibits sex-based discrimination and at the same time prohibits the creation and recognition of same-sex marriage in The Bahamas.

Anything less, we will vote no and encourage others to do likewise.

May the Lord grant us grace in this referendum process to fight ideas and not each other.

PASTOR CEDRIC MOSS

Nassau,

August 15, 2014.