Live and let live
Judging from the reactions to the campaign of St. Maarten United Ministerial Foundation (SMUMF) to stop a so-called gay cruise from coming to the island on November 1, most people don’t agree. The affiliated churches believe the homosexual lifestyle does not contribute to social and moral development, while it also goes against their values.
But religion, certainly Christianity, is also about tolerance and respect for others, as becomes clear from the relationship that – according to the Bible – Jesus Christ had with an apparent prostitute by the name of Mary Magdalene. On the other hand, there is overwhelming scientific evidence that in most cases homosexuality is not a lifestyle choice, but a biological characteristic.
The ironic thing is that had no big deal been made about the gay cruise in the first place, the visit probably would have gone by fairly unnoticed. There is, after all, no indication whatsoever that the homosexual passengers of Mariner of the Seas will be promoting their lifestyle or trying to convert heterosexuals while here for just a few hours like other cruise tourists.
In Curaçao and Aruba too there was some concern about these cruises, but the only thing it really led to was more people flocking to the cruise terminals to see what all the fuss was about. What they saw were for the most part normally dressed and seemingly ordinary people going about their business like anyone else would, except for the fact that couples were mostly of the same sex.
Singling out a group of people based on their creed, colour, race or sexual preference is nothing short of discriminatory and a violation of human rights and the rule of law when it comes to equal treatment for each and everyone. The church would do well to dedicate itself to some of the real social ills within the community that are having a much greater negative effect than a visit of a gay cruise ever will.
Last year’s gay bashing incident in Beacon Hill was an example of what intolerance can lead to. Homosexuals too are people and have rights. Perhaps if they were accepted more, they would not have to hide out of shame and “stay in the closet.” Live and let live.
Give us your opinion on this story ![[new]](/images/new.gif)
Post a message on our message board! Click Here!
