Clergyman questions PM's motive for promised hate speech legislation

 

President of the Jamaica Evangelical Alliance Bishop Dr. Alvin Bailey is questioning whether Prime Minister Andrew Holness is being pressured by the international community to implement legislation to address hate speech.

 

Speaking Tuesday on the Morning Agenda on Power 106 FM, Bishop Bailey questioned whether there was a hidden agenda, saying he does not believe there is a need for such legislation in Jamaica. 

 

"He has easy access to the church and we meet with him from time to time. We could sit down and talk because it would look really embarrassing that the Prime Minister is not in touch with what is happening in his own country. It is clear that if you have to be nitpicking and straining like Father Sean is doing to find a cause to establish a legislation, it doesn't make sense," he argued. 

 

Bishop Bailey is concerned that the proposed hate speech legislation could affect family values in Jamaica, adding that some clergymen could also find themselves on the wrong side of the law for speaking out against certain behaviours that "endanger" society. 

 

"We have had our challenges with a particular group, but certainly I've never heard them call for hate speech, as they seek to advance their prominence in the society and the church continues to speak against the practices of these people," he asserted. 

 

But Anglican priest Father Sean Major-Campbell has responded to critics that the consideration being given to introduce an anti-hate speech law is geared at promoting the LGBTQ+ agenda, saying any legislation being created should abide by the principles of human rights. 

 

"As long as we are protecting everybody, that's what matters. The biggest problem facing the church right now is the lack of commitment on the part of Christians to practice what they preach. The lack of Christ's consciousness which promotes light and love and peace and justice for all is crippling the witness of the church," he complained. 

 

"The truth is that the problem is neither homosexuality nor heterosexuality nor LGBT. In fact, sexual orientation has never been the problem. The problem is people who disregard other people. The problem of bigotry and self-righteous preaching is rampant and we have to face these issues."   

 

Father Major-Campbell was also a guest on the Morning Agenda.

 

Last Wednesday, Prime Minister Andrew Holness said to address the chronic levels of violence on the island, the government will, among other things, have to address the issue of hate speech, though it is not a feature of the Jamaican society.

 

He made the comments during the monthly discussion forum of the Jamaican Embassy in Washington, DC.