The Tribune

By SANCHESKA BROWN

Tribune Staff Reporter

sbrown@tribunemedia.net

THE YES Bahamas campaign yesterday urged Bahamians to register to vote and to approach the upcoming referendum with a full understanding of “what is at stake, and to make the right decision for our nation and our sons and daughters.”

In a statement, President of the Senate and Co-Chair of the YES Bahamas campaign Lady Sharon Wilson also thanked former Governor Generals Sir Arthur Foulkes and Sir Orville Turnquest for their support of the referendum “not as statesmen but as fathers and grandfathers.”

“As founding fathers and men who’ve given stellar service to their country, Sir Arthur Foulkes and Sir Orville Turnquest have emphasised the importance of this referendum. They support the referendum, not only as statesmen, but as fathers and grandfathers who want an even better Bahamas for their children and grandchildren,” Senator Wilson said.

The YES Bahamas campaign said there is a silent majority of Bahamians across political, generational and racial divides whose voices are emerging in support of the June 7 referendum.

“This is no doubt in response to the tone and tenor of the national discourse where fear and misinformation instead of balance and facts have attempted to dominated the dialogue,” YES Bahamas said.

Lady Wilson added: “The Constitution protects our laws which state that marriage must be between a man and a woman. Marriage is not on the ballot this June 7. The only thing at stake is whether our daughters and sons will have equal rights under our laws.”

YES Bahamas said this referendum “seeks to strengthen Bahamian families and Bahamian democracy.”

It added: “Laws that divide families weaken our nation, while strong democracies ensure that citizens who bear the same responsibilities, enjoy the same rights, whether they are male or female.”

The former governors general pledged their full support for the upcoming constitutional referendum on gender equality.

In a joint statement released through Bahamas Information Services on Wednesday, they encouraged Bahamians to vote “yes” to all four questions that will be on the ballot.

Both men were among six delegates who attended the Constitutional Conference in December 1972 in London, England and helped frame the country’s Constitution.