Senator Ozouf has sought to place the blame for the debacle over same sex marriage in the States upon me rather than where it correctly lies – with a political Right that is beholden to Christian sects – usually the allies of the good Senator who is "hard" on economic issues.
It was Senator Le Marquand's last minute amendment that
acted as the wrecking motion, designed to put off an awkward decision until
AFTER the October election. Members supported the amendment as a “Get Out of
Gaol Card”. They feared that if they voted against the principle of same-sex
marriage (the substantive basis of Deputy Mezec’s proposition) the “Liberals”
amongst the electorate would be shocked; were they to vote in favour then they
would alienate their natural voters on the conservative Right, many of whome are religious fundamentalists and whose views include homophobia.
Members who voted to defer a decision to less politically
contentious times, when they would have been safely returned to the Chamber,
have, ironically, to face the backlash from the LGBT community and socially progressive
island opinion. Saturday's demonstration will be the measure of that anger.
What the House rejected the Street will demand - and elections are coming.
My remarks in the House merely pointed out this evasion and
did not go down well for that reason alone. Yet I was right on the mark –
that’s why they are squealing now. As the saying goes "They don't like it
up em"
The worst nightmare
of the religious fundamentalists may yet occur. The LGBT community in
Jersey may be so shocked by this blatant homophobic
act, that they will come out to demonstrate in significant numbers,
resulting in an organizational outcome – the birth of the first LGBT
campaign group in Jersey -that in turn engages in the electoral process resulting in a number of
high profile casualties at the 15th October General Election.
The 12th of July is traditionally the day of Orange marching in Northern Ireland; by contrast the colours of Jersey's march will be those of the rainbow.
The 12th of July is traditionally the day of Orange marching in Northern Ireland; by contrast the colours of Jersey's march will be those of the rainbow.
Make sure you attend the Rally for Equal Marriage and Gay Rights - Jersey's first LGBT Rights Parade - Royal Square - Noon, Saturday 12th July. The march will proceed at 12.20 to Liberation Square to be followed by speakers and music.
Good on you Deputy Le Cornu and Reform Jersey for showing those homophobes for what they are HOMOPHOBES. I will join the rally on Saturday to support all those discriminated against by this outdated and out of touch government.
ReplyDeleteAs a gay man, who is also Christian I appreciate others views. I agree there may be some in society who are homophobic, however I listened to the debate, hoping Deputy Mezec's proposition would win.
ReplyDeleteI also listened to opposing arguments, and appreciate that others had equally strong views. I might not agree with them, but appreciate they can have their views.
I took one thing away from the entire debate: Both yourself and Deputy Mezec did little to further our cause (in fact I think damaged it). This is a cause, it is about changing people's behaviour. Don't for a moment think you represent me.
I won't be, nor will my partner and fellow gay friends, be at YOUR demonstration.
I am saddened that you are unable to publish your name and can only post as Anon. Hopefully one day you will have the courage to do so in a society that is not judgmental. That is why I am fighting for you.
DeleteIf you are going expect to be booed.
ReplyDeleteYour so full of the proverbial I can smell it from ere.
Will it be you doing the booing?
DeleteObviously been on the Stella again. Ignore him Nick.
DeleteWhy was Ozouf attacking you when he should have been attacking Ian Le Marquand for bringing the wrecking motion? See you on Saturday.
ReplyDeleteQuite!
DeleteNick.
ReplyDeleteEQUALITY PARADE.
Thanks, a great video and one well worth watching to the end.
DeleteThe Establishment thought they had kicked Equal Marriage into the long grass. Now they must realise it has bounced back and is heading their way at increasing speed. With 800 saying on Facebook they will attend the Equality Rally and an election looming in October, they must be having second thoughts. Better still duck lads before it hits you in the face (and in the ballot box) !
ReplyDeleteDifference is that Ozouf is openly gay and his views mean more to the gay community than your sad levels of electioneering.
ReplyDeleteSaturday will be the measure of that unthruth. Its clearly time for the LGBT community to organise themselves into a campaign group. LIBERATE in Guernsey with its pan channel islands aspirations is the obvious model.
DeleteYou could campaign for rights for alcoholic trolls and JH would still have it in for you!
ReplyDeleteThanks Nick, As you know not all Christians hold the hateful position that was expressed by a vocal few in the last week and I would guess that quite a good number of us will be marching with you on Saturday as an expression of our loving discipleship of Jesus and our love for all members of the community.
ReplyDeleteOnething I would disagree with you on is your linkage between "a political Right that is beholden to Christian sects". I disagree - it is other other way aorund, I think it is the fundamentalist sects that are beholden to the political right. This is a pattern we have seen in the USA and to a lesser extent the rest of the English speaking world. Its roots obviously go back a long way to when a criminalised grass roots movement of the poor fell in love with the power and wealth of empire and damned its soul in the process. And yet every day there are those who read the words of the executed labourer and see hope for a world that is not owned and run by the principalities and powers - a hope that is expressed as "resurrection", literally a "rising up" of the innocent victim of the establishment.
We appreciate your efforts on the issue and hold you in our prayers.
Simon Nash
Simon,
DeleteThanks for a thoughtful contribution. Fundamentalist sects on the USA style would have us a theocracy. If only we had more modern day Anabaptists, so dangerous in their era, that Catholic and Protestant burnt them for threatening the existing social order.
Nick
Nick.
ReplyDeleteThe Jersey Equality March was a resounding success and congratulations to all who took part.
You, and your readers, can view a glimpse of today's event HERE.
You were right with what you said about Deputy Moore. You should have known that the establishment party would twist it around to do anything to keep their power. They are desperate! Why did the chamber not get someone to take over Moore's job knowing how long she would be out of the states with her illness? Hope you get re-elected.
ReplyDelete