The Tribune

THE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration has responded to three pastors who have raised alarm about a vote at the United Nations on the adoption of the annual report of the UN Human Rights Council, saying the country voted in favour of the move and this is “consistent” with the mandate of the people of this country.

Earlier this week, pastors Cedric Moss, Alfred Stewart, and Lyall Bethel, in a letter to Foreign Affairs and Immigration Minister Fred Mitchell, issued a reproach of the position taken by the country on a UN resolution that sought to block the appointment of a UN independent expert to investigate worldwide cases of discrimination and abuse against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people.

They expressed disappointment over the country’s decision to side with a “slim majority” of nations to uphold Professor Vitit Muntarbhorn’s appointment, and accused the government of misrepresenting the views and wishes of the “overwhelming” majority of Bahamians.

Yesterday the ministry issued a statement that said “Christian values” include condemning actions which support violence, discrimination, bigotry or intolerance against all people.

“The vote at the UN General Assembly was a procedural one on whether the report of the Human Rights Council should be adopted in its entirety or with certain deletions,” a statement from the ministry said.

“The Bahamas voted to accept the report in its entirety as we have done in the past and consistent with the mandates of people of The Bahamas.

“We remind the public that each diplomat is instructed in the language and philosophy of the Constitution of The Bahamas which in so far as is relevant for this purpose, it says ‘an abiding respect for Christian values and the rule of law.’ Each vote of The Bahamas whether at home or abroad is guided by those principles.

“Christian values include decrying any action which would support violence, discrimination, bigotry or intolerance against people of every stripe without distinction.

“The vote was consistent with those values. We were joined by scores of other countries, including the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Canada, the European Union and in the Caribbean, St Kitts and Nevis and Antigua and Barbuda.

“Any other characterisation of the vote is misleading.”