Trade Unions Urge End To Gay Persecution in Jamaica at Cardiff Mardi Gras
By Bernadette O'Keefe
SPSF
Aug 31, 2007
TUC Black rep on the TUC LGBT Committee , Dr Patrick Williams will take
the main stage at Cardiff Mardi Gras, Coopers Field, Cardiff on the 1st
September to highlight the persecution and human rights abuses of
lesbian, gay and bisexual people in Jamaica and raise awareness on
behalf of J-Flag, the organisation in Jamaica that supports them. According to J-Flag, deaths associated with homophobia in Jamaica are the highest in the world and occur an average of once every hour. Since 2005 the persecution has escalated and individuals are being attacked in the streets, their property has been vandalised and members of J-Flag have been the subject of police harassment and forced to move home.
Speaking ahead of the event, Patrick Wiliams said:
'Cardiff Mardi Gras is an excellent opportunity to raise awareness of lesbian, gay and bisexual inequality and highlight the plight of oppressed colleagues around the world. The distressful situation in Jamaica will only be resolved with the support of organisations around the world like Cardiff Mardi Gras and the Wales TUC.
'Our Jamaican colleagues do not have the same freedom as we do to speak out and without an international voice, their torture and anguish will go unheard.'
Wales TUC will also be hosting a marquee where J-Flag materials will be available. Trade unions will be present with information about campaigns to eradicate workplace discrimination and promote workplace equality.
Wales TUC Head of Policy and Campaigns, Derek Walker said:
'The Wales TUC is proud to support J-Flag's work. While important progress has been made, lesbian, gay and bisexual people around the world still experience high levels of discrimination and inequality.'
'Recent figures from a Wales TUC survey raised key concerns about workplace policies and practices for LGB workers with a third of respondents reporting harassment because of their sexual orientation.'
'Trade unions have made real progress in the UK, particularly in the public and voluntary sectors, raising awareness of key LGBT issues and improving workplace conditions, but there is still much more we can do.'
