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Letter From Birmingham: Let’s Stop Antagonising Homosexuals
Saturday, 18 February 2012 01:14
(Column) – Over the past few days, there have been some interesting comments on the pages of this paper in reaction
to my story on President Jammeh’s comments on homosexuality.In the story, Mr Jammeh who had previously threatened to rain fire on gays and lesbians in the country described homosexuality as an abomination.
It was not surprising to see all these comments as homosexuality like immigration has always been a sensitive issue in many parts of the world including here in the West and it will continue to be a contentious topic as more and more people open up about their sexuality.
Like prostitution, homosexuality is not a Western product. It is as old as human civilisation and has been secretly practiced by some African men well even before the grandparents of the explorers who claim to have discovered the African continent were born.
I agree that homosexuality is forbidden in many religions and African cultures but in this 21st century, I believe that it is wrong to arrest, jail or kill people based on their sexuality. We have to understand that being homosexual is not a choice people make just out of the blue.
No one knows why some people are homosexual. Some people who study human sexuality believe that sexuality is a result of genetics, social or individual factors, alone or in combination.
Homosexuals believe that they are born the way they are just like any straight men like you and me. They are happy being with a fellow man or woman and I don’t see the problem in that so long as they behave decently.
As a liberal, I believe that it is completely wrong for any state to determine how its people should live their lives. I also believe that it is wrong for us to discriminate or condemn people base on their sexuality.
Coming to the UK has given me the opportunity to speak openly to many gays and lesbians some of whom are my classmates in university, and I have come to realise they are all sane people like you and me whose sexuality has not stop them from doing or aspiring to be what we all want to be.
Yes the practice may be forbidden in many cultures and religions, but we would be living in total anarchy if we are to punish anyone who does anything that is against our religious and cultural values.
Take for example, sex before marriage or having children out of wedlock is forbidden by our religion and culture. And in the Gambia many years ago, no one dared engage in premarital sex. Today, even though the practice is forbidden culturally and religiously, it has become socially acceptable as more and more people openly engage in premarital sex.
In the past children born out of wedlock were called all sort of names and barred from being village alkalos, chiefs or holding certain prominent positions. Today, our society has stopped discriminating people based on the circumstances of their birth.
Abuse of power, corruption, bribery, murder and gambling are all forbidden by Islam and Christianity, yet despite claiming to be religious people, some of our political elites engage themselves in all these vices without giving a monkey to the dictates of their religion and culture.
If we are to condemn homosexuality because it is simply against our religious and cultural norms, then we must also start banning all haram activities in our communities such as idol worshipping and dancing festivals without any ifs and buts. It would be hypocritical on our part to pick and choose which unreligious practice to accept and condemn.
I may not agree with your sexuality but will defend your right to be homosexual.
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Comments
Western aid..is a very debateble topic.
Do the richer nations dole out foreign aid to foreign government {for its dicretionery use}...or should it comit to direct investment in building/bolstering the business culture..in Africa?
The British government cut back most public spending...except overseas aid.
But has this aid failed to reach those most in need? Should government advance British/Foreign strategic business partnerships?
Myself...I believe in a manufacturing/skill based economy that can also travel to resource/service economic generation overseas as well as at home.
New business start ups are the key to future prosperity.
The Gambia has PAGE..that we should support.
You will no doubt be aware the British government has come under fire...on its domestic job creation policies.
I think we should be looking "further" than we are just now.
Notwithstanding the massive mismanagement and looting of aid funds,Africa's continued dependence on aids means that the continent can never be truly independent in the real sense...Being dependent on aids leaves the entire continent open to manipulation and control by the aids givers...
The US and the West should re-direct their aid funds internally,towa rds helping the homeless,the jobless and the "poor" in their countries...
The word "promoting" is central to African thinking.The President of Uganda
explained "haram" and used the word "promoting".
Provided homosexuality is not promoted and kept "within"..then this is the way Africa deals with such issues.
{Long before the whitemen stepped foot in Africa}
Live and let live is the universal message of tolerance.
The fact that Obama threatened to cut aid to Africa..if "human rights" is not central to African ambition..is a big mistake.
The West should not be so arrogant on promoting western ways of dealing with African issues.
I found Gambia and Nigeria... culture and social cohesion...very strong...and tolerant.
PK Jarjue...sends the African message of respect..."Do not antagonise"
I just do not understand why President Jammeh...should get so " Picky "
Let sleeping dogs lie. As we English say.
Homosexuality is dangerous and disgusting fake does not respect God, please do not want 99% of Gambian hate and that is enough what you want now? as incorrect impose us? please no no respect for all . we muslims and respect what it says allah. ok let us alone
i just say thank you Mr Halake for you comments showing some of the negative behavaiours/effects of homosexaulity which our Gambain society cannot afford.
The studies/experitments taken on behave of homosexuals show no agreements which factors determine their sexaulity.
How can someone ignore Africans/Gambians` will and call them primitive/ backward just because we don`t accept their "FREE LOVER" politic??
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