US lawyer to headline local anti-gay rally

| 30/08/2016 | 200 Comments
Cayman News Service

David Gibbs III

(CNS): A conservative Christian lawyer from the United States who has suggested that legalising gay marriage would lead to a catalogue of social ills will be one of three guest speakers headlining a religious rally in Cayman next month. The event, which is being organised by a group of local churches, is billed as promoting biblical values, but top of the agenda appears to be the fight against gay rights and in particular preventing members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender community gaining the right to marry or have their partnerships legally legitimised or to enjoy a family life within transgender or same-sex relationships.

David Gibbs III, who takes an anti-gay stand, is not quite as controversial as his father David Gibbs Jr but he has nevertheless spoken out at many public religious events in recent years about what he believes is an agenda or conspiracy by the liberal left to promote gay marriage and alternative lifestyles.

He believes this will lead to a rise in single-parent households, an increase in dependents on social welfare and healthcare. In 2009 he told participants at an anti-gay rally in North Carolina that gay marriage would “open the door to unusual marriage” in the state.

“Why not polygamy, or three or four spouses?” Gibbs asked. “Maybe people will want to marry their pets or robots.”

Cayman News Service

Dr Brendan Bain

The lawyer, who in 2005 fought to keep brain-damaged Terri Schiavo on life support, has been using the courts and the US Constitution to fight against gay rights. He will be joining Dr Brendan Bain from the Jamaica-based Family Life Ministries and Cayman’s own Pastor Alson Ebanks at the rally on Sunday 11 September at the Lion’s Centre.

Organisers of the event, which has the motto ‘The Future Is Now: Preserving Values for a Better Tomorrow”, are hoping these speakers will be a “rallying call” to promote a biblical perspective of family because of what they claim is the “shock” over the “speed with which changes are occurring in societies worldwide”.

In a release about the event, which may well stir up discrimination, intolerance and abuse of the LGBT community, Gibbs said his presentation will aim to frame the legal debate on the definition and nature of the family, and “navigating today’s increasingly diverse perspectives”.

Pointing to the legal and constitutional issues surrounding family and the community, the fundamentalist Christian stated, “If you give people good information, they can make good decisions, and that’s what we want to do.  The outcome would be healthy discussion and debate that will positively benefit the Islands for generations to come.”

Gibbs said that as an observer of legal and constitutional trends, he has been concerned about some major shifts in the western world. “I think it is important that we come to grips with these critical issues before this grand experiment we are hoisting on the next generation cannot be stopped,” he added.

Dr Brendan Bain will be sharing information on medical and public health issues the organisers said though it is not clear how as an internal medicine, infectious diseases and public health, specialist where his presentation will fit.

In the release he said it could not be ignored that “a number of individuals, international groups and governments are exerting pressure on our communities to accept sexual practices that have not been previously accepted in most Caribbean communities”.

Cayman News Service

Pastor Alson Ebanks

Meanwhile, Pastor Alson from the Church of God will speak on the framework for defending biblical family values, and call the Christian community back to follow the Bible as the best guide to preserving those values.  The rally will look at “decisions involving sexuality” but Pastor Ebanks said it would involve more than what he called “alternative lifestyles”, though he admitted this was the main point.

“It would be hypocritical for us not to acknowledge that one of the catalysts for this rally is the publicity over the last several months given to alternative lifestyles, but this cannot be the main focus of the rally since the real issues are more extensive,” the pastor said, pointing to husband-wife relationships, sexual morality as a whole, family roles and responsibilities, and “how adherence to these in the context of Biblical values are good for the society as a whole”.

Although the PPM government has made it very clear it has no policy plans to introduce gay marriage or any kind of legal protection for same-sex couples, the fear that it might at some point in the future has seen mounting public intolerance towards the local LGBT community coming from the pulpit and parliament.

Last week yet another private members motion was filed by Anthony Eden in the Legislative Assembly on the possibility of legalised same-sex unions or gay marriage, which was backed by all of the independent MLAs. This time Eden is calling for a referendum. A previous motion asking government to confirm its commitment to marriage remaining an institution between the members of the opposite sex gave rise to some extremely unpleasant anti-gay rhetoric in parliament.

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  1. Me says:

    It is so sad how people thinks about this situation, I am a God’s believer yes I agree with the hypocrisy that many people who goes to a temple “not church” because we as people are the church no doubts of only people going to socialize on Sunday for 2 hrs. I particularly do not hate them, they were created man a women, so they could procreate. it is this world “human rights” that is taking a lot of people to hell. yes I wish they can repent and seek God. the problems is that why do I have to see 2 men, 2 women kissing each other as a couple? this is wrong. why they push it to my face and my kids? be whoever you want to be keep it in the closet but do not obligate me to accept something that I know is wrong. I speak to gay people with all my respect I gave them my point of view & can not change their minds, but as they ask for respect. well respect me as well. In Hell is a lot of people who believe but to late. Repent now because tomorrow will be to late.
    God bless you Cayman Islands..

  2. Anonymous says:

    Dear Gay Caymanians,

    I can imagine how hurtful and scary it must be to see so many people fearing you for wanting to do nothing more than be yourself and love someone. However, please don’t forget that there are many Caymanians who respect and care about all good people, no matter who they hold hands with or marry.

    It is difficult if not impossible to reason with anyone who has tumbled so far down the rabbit hole that they think a few gay marriages here and there will bring on magical punishments in the form of earthquakes and hurricanes, but we can’t give up on people. So forget rational arguments, science, politics, and all that, let’s try another approach.

    To those in support of this anti-gay marriage rally, I appeal to your heart. Look deep within. Somewhere inside you, you must feel it is right to line up on the side of love. Try to remember what you likely learned in preschool, that it’s better to be nice than to be mean, better to give happiness than take it. I believe this is in you. Look past the fear and hate you have been taught and find the love for others you had from the start. Please try. Rediscovering the best of you would be good for you, Cayman, and the world.

    It’s easy to follow bigots and fear mongers. Non-thinking, fearful, and mean people have been flocking to them forever. Be different. Be brave and do the right thing. Stand up for good people when they are outnumbered and under fire. Who knows, maybe the “God of love” you worship would be proud of your courage.

    Love,
    Guy Harrison

  3. Anonymous says:

    The extreme right churches of Cayman should be expected to host their own thought conventions and will predictably cultivate intolerance and hatred within their own circles, but it does not change the fact that the Territory already has ECHR obligations to recognize and protect same-sex civil unions. Protection is an RCIPS function and they should be ever present at the Lions Centre to keep order and remind the Christian mobs of the limits of their assumed theological authority.

    • Anonymous says:

      Lol all THIS because Christians believe in the power of God to help us overcome our individual challenges as we make our journey through life.

  4. Anonymous says:

    Until the church is willing to address adultery, fornication, greed disobedience, self service, ingratitude, injustice, modern day slavery, stealing and the list goes on in a meaningful way; these sins of omissions are all done openly by members in your very own congregations. Until you succeed in getting thru to your most self righteous hypocrite members leave the LGBTQ community alone. In other words take the log out of your eye before trying to take the speck out of another eye. Clean up the USA, Jamaica and your own house before you going peeking into other people life and problems. Then and only then will you be qualified.

  5. Blashphemer says:

    Lol, all of this because christians believe in a mythical genie.

  6. Anonymous says:

    I can’t believe that Pastor Alson is inviting his congregation to attend a party at the Lions Center on the Sabbath. Wait, it’s not being held on the Sabbath, the Seven Day Adventist told him in no uncertain terms that their congregation could not possibly begin to gather until after the Sabbath was over. My bad. But it’s good to see that they can agree on the really important issues.

  7. Anonymous says:

    First-, why isn’t a Caymanian leader not the headliner for this meeting? I’ll tell you why. Too many fingers would be pointing at these men reminding them to clean up round their own yard before pointing fingers at someone else!

    Second- What a terrible choice for a speaker. This man represents all that is reprehensible about “conservative” christians. He, his father, and their organization have targeted a very narrow minded, bigoted, hateful market, and are making millions of dollars by spreading a doctrine fueled by lies, innuendo and fear. Just do a little research on this man and his “ministry” and you will see what I mean. Shame on these “pastors” who have brought him to this island.

    Third-I am thankful that so many of our young Caymanians are better educated, with minds open to the world around us, and who aren’t afraid to take on the dark side of organized religion. They are truly the lights that will guide Cayman into a brighter future.

    Finally, Cayman is not “a Christian nation”. What kind of stupid statement is that? We have many religions, (some more organized that others!) operating here, and they are free to operate here without Government sanction. Therefore, we cannot say that “Cayman is a Christian nation.”

    We need a conference to assure that freedom from persecution, legal rights and protection under the law is available for people of ALL beliefs, ALL people, of ALL persuasions.

    • Anonymous says:

      9:31 @31/08 : Christian leaders are headlining the event — Pastor Alson Ebanks is presenting the Biblical perspective. He has been in Christian Ministry in Cayman Islands for more than four decades. Dr. Brendan Bain is an educator , researcher and family life advocate out of Jamaica is in full time ministry in that country. Mr. David Gibbs is only one of the three speakers.

  8. Anonymous says:

    Been reading through the comments and they are all overwhelmingly negative towards these religious right folk. Why do they still have such a powerful voice when the majority of people strongly disagree with both their view and likely their religious views? Thats what I would really like to know.

  9. Anonymous says:

    I don’t get where all this hate come from. The world is falling apart with so much war and violence. We don’t need more of this; it is time to come together. Everyone has the right to be in a relationship, being hetero or same sex. Love has no boundaries and we should respect everyone’s decision. I have gay friends and I can guarantee they are normal people.
    Maybe they should start looking and investigate all these children abuse that happens in church or the increasing number of rapes happening all over the world. COMBINE FORCES TO DO SOMETHING GOOD.
    Let’s legalize same sex marriage and give them the option of adoption, there are so many kids waiting for a family to love and be loved.
    Peace and Love.

    • anonymous says:

      @8:50 am — “Hate” — where did that assessment come from? Because you have a different opinion you “hate”???? This term has become a buzz word that we throw around in place of rational argument.

      • Anonymous says:

        Indeed, the term “hate” appears to be so commonly used these days to reject any point of view different than one’s own – it’s almost comical. The morons who brainlessly employ it, well, one can feel only pity for them. We need to invest more in education for sure.

  10. Marathon says:

    “…The event, which is being organised by a group of local churches, is billed as promoting biblical values….” = promoting hatred.

  11. NS Bob says:

    Regrettably, with poor access to inferior education throughout the Caribbean and Central America the story book remains as one of the most powerful educational books to many which have no other book to study. This goes back hundreds of years in history.

    Without an accessible education system that produces respectable students, most of the Caribbean, well at least the ones with out enough money to go to a proper school are left behind with families who still believe, or are made to believe that the bible is the right and only truth to life…shocking in this day and age,

    Its a problem worldwide with organized religion.

    Sad reality.

    • Anonymous says:

      And while I respect peoples religious beliefs, does that also mean we stone for adultery? Because even Jesus said “let he who is free of sin cast the first stone” and Jesus himself didn’t cast a stone.

    • Anonymous says:

      NS Bob — @7:46 am — you are so ignorant of Caribbean education it is not funny. I wonder where you got your education.

  12. Anonymous says:

    Look at how society has fallen apart completely in countries that have legalised gay marriage and look how little time it took for them to move on to legalise marriage to farm animals. Shocking. Such disasters cannot be allowed.

  13. Blashphemer says:

    I’m sure David Gibbs can shed light on these sort of Biblical values,

    – 1 Timothy 2:12 – I do not permit a woman to teach or assume authority over a man, she must be quiet.

    – Psalms 137:9 – Happy is the one who seizes your infants and dashes them against the rocks.

    – Deuteronomy 17:12 – Any man who presumptuously refuses to listen either to the priest who serves there, ministering before the Eternal God, or to the judge, that man must die.

    – Deuteronomy 22:28 – If a man comes across a girl, a virgin who is not betrothed and if he ravishes her , and is caught, then the man who lay with her shall pay six and a half guineas to the girls father, and she shall become his wife, since he violated her, he shall not divorce her as long as he lives.

    – What does the bible say about apostasy?

    • Anonymous says:

      What does it matter? Why are people still taking their morals and values from a 2,000 year old work of fiction is beyond me…

  14. Psalms 137:9 says:

    The fact that you can’t sell your daughter for 3 goats and a cow means we’ve already redefined marriage.

    • Anonymous says:

      Don’t worry, they have an answer for that too. “We don’t believe that anymore. That is Old Testament.” How convenient. Just write a new book if you don’t like the old one. Let us not forget that these folks are hypocrites…something else the Bible hates.

      • Blashphemer says:

        Lol so they say “we dont believe that anymore it’s old testament”. What about genesis? They don’t believe that either?

  15. Maybe its a fairy tale kids? says:

    Reality, is that likely up to 10% of the god fearing cayman christians who support this agenda are secretly battling against their own innate homosexuality and have been since puberty, having been brought up in a repressive christian culture that made them feel sinful and in need of ‘saving’. You were indoctrinated from a young age by your parents to believe in this fairy tale passed down from ancient times, when humans needed an explanation for the unknown, because at the time we were primitive beings in need of answers.

    Most of the themes that the bible presents to us as being foundations for a life well lived are actually really good.. dont kill, dont covet, etc. But the real shame is that over a period of 2000 years the good book has been used as a means of power held up by the greedy few to get control of the many.

    I see most modern day christian followers as being severely suppressed individuals, who hang on to the promise of a better afterlife at the cost of their own personal development and the ability to think for themselves. You justify repression of others and their human right to live according to their own ‘non christian’ ideals by hiding behind a wall of righteousness and fear. And yet, look closely behind the veil and you’ll likely find that your christian leaders who spread these messages are milking it, while you continue tithing more than you can afford so as to pay your deposit into heaven.

    In the meantime.. if john wants to sleep with john and joan hooks up with joan tonight… you will be safe in your beds and be none the wiser. No harm done!

    Amen!

  16. Anonymous says:

    NOTE: this family life company is not a church but is a business that is parasitic to certain churches. Just like those Jesus apparently despised. It also has a tin pot auditor which is a red flag for fraud. Those who believe in Christianity will be wary of them. They will also be wary of a group proclaiming to be Christian but with a primary agenda of judging themselves, causing hatred, division and encouraging lack of compassion. If one believes is the fundamental tenets of Christianity, one cannot also believe that Thea charlatans or their message are Christian, irrespective of one’s stance on homosexuality.

    It would also be interesting to hear them explain how consensual love between adults affecting nobody else on the planet is an important distraction from their dealing with gang violence, child rape, exploitation and enslavement of women and poverty in the region, particularly in Jamaica.

    These ignorant fundamentalists are twisting a religion in order to gain individual power and wealth, just as ISIS is doing. They should not be welcomed into our communities. But remember, floods are punishment from God for homosexuality, aren’t they Tony Perkins and Cayman in 2004???

  17. Marcia E Banks says:

    It scares me that Educated people can be so critical of people’s life style choices.
    We should celebrate people’s choices not condemn them. So many young Camanians leave the Island, struggling with the appalling sexual prejudices faced.
    My god loves everyone and he is the judge, not your opinionated mouthies who pray on the weak in their congregation.
    Times are changing. Maybe one of the pastors should write a new chapter in the bible. Oh, but no, that means they need to change their thought processes.
    In my many years on this Island I find the local church goers the worst two faced back stabbing bitches I have ever met.
    Churches breed ignorance.
    Take note on Sunday. There will be few well educated in your congratulations. Fact.

    • Anonymous says:

      Maybe you should attend the Lion Center and hear what they have to say.

      Btw … you talk about education. Your last sentence – It is congregation not “congratulations.” It seems your spell checking is not working out too well for you :))

      • Anonymous says:

        It was a misprint by the poster, you idiot.

      • Anonymous says:

        Since congratulations is spelled correctly, spell check would not pick it up!

      • Anonymous says:

        Spell check is your best point? Actually, on reflection, it probably is.

      • Anonymous says:

        10:00pm….Sure you have to know by now that the computer will take a word you misspell and turn it into the word they believe it to be…easy mistake made by anyone.

        Doctors often have the worst penmanship on earth and spelling…just saying.

        So petty… I think we all realize what Marcia E. Ebanks was saying….have you not typed something and inadvertently it got sent before you were able to check it…

        Therein lies the issue in our country….the misspelling of one word is more important to comment on. SMH, so pointless.

    • Anonymous says:

      From what I can understand listening to the pastors on the radio, one of the big aims of the rally is to work to change the attitudes of people, especially Christians, towards those whose lifestyles they may not agree with.

    • Anonymous says:

      Your picture of an event that “may well stir up discrimination” struck me, as a praising Christian surprising, so I went on the Cayman Ministers Association website to see what they had to say. I found this:

      http://www.caymin.ky/MediaBackgroundInformation.html

      This does not strike me as the offensive position that your story may suggest to some.

    • Anonymous says:

      Just for clarification, and from personal experience, being gay is not a lifestyle choice. Living a lie and denying being gay is a choice which many men and women here have been forced to make because of the uneducated pressure from the community and churches.

    • Anonymous says:

      For consideration by CNS: on the comment in you story that the gentle pastor “admitted” that (alternate lifestyles) was the main point, I went back to look at what he said. He said that the subject was the “catalyst” that resulted in the rally, but that the subject matter of the rally was much more “extensive” than that.

      That is a different interpretation that you represent.

      And by the way, checking meaning of “catalyst” it may help: a substance that increases the rate of change of a reaction without itself undergoing any permanent change.

      What the pastor was saying was that it precipitated the event, not that it was the main point of the event.

      It would be helpful to exercise due care in interpretation.

  18. Anonymous says:

    CNS, after reading this I thought I was reading one of the sensational pieces Legge throws out in his rag..I know this type of thing affects you personally but present the facts as they are and leave the sensationalism to the Compass..You are better than this..Everyone deserves a voice pro or anti gay. I don’t agree with the stance they are taking but I heard Pastor Alson on the radio the other day and this is nothing like he or any of the other Pastors were talking about..

    Don’t slant the story to play to a certain audience and to stir controversy, that is sensationalism not good journalism…there is a difference..We must have tolerance for both sides. It is still a free country and everyone should have their right to speak about what they believe and it is up to everyone else to decide what they want to believe..

    Please don’t stoop to Legge’s level!

    • Anonymous says:

      Honestly CNS. You are truly above Compost. But this was over the top and projected your feelings on this matter. Stick to the facts. Don’t get classless like those whining snobs next door.

    • Anonymous says:

      8:49: absolutely. This is very poor journalism. Way too much stirring of controversy and very poor effort at fair balancing of the arguments. Essentially, CNS seems to be taking the stance that if you don’t adopt its pro-gay position then dog eat your supper.

      One thing I do not agree with you on is your little aside at the Compass. I have seen much greater professionalism at the Compass in the way it handles news stories, which is what this essentially is. They express strong views in their editorials. And I actually agree with a lot of what they say in the editorials — but If I don’t agree that is ok, as it is an opinion piece.

      What CNS does is gets very personally invested in its news stories and acts in this unrestrained, highschoolish way that is frankly embarrassing to observe. This type of weak journalism does nothing for the tone of the society — which is very important in as sensitive a subject as this.

    • Turn the other Cheek says:

      CNS input is justified. You know why? Because time and again it has been shown that once the ball gets rolling with rallies as such, they stoop way down low as well, if I may say so.

      “It is still a free country and everyone should have their right to speak about what they believe and it is up to everyone else to decide what they want to believe..”

      – While I concur with this statement, not everyone that speaks have the sway and power as ‘church leaders’. Let’s wait and see how much effort they will put into being balanced and fair during this rally.

      • anonymous says:

        @1;43 am — you obviously don’t understand journalism — the editorializing and opinionating goes in the opinion column — not in the “news” story. You try to be as objective as possible in reporting the news and balance the story fairly. This strays far left of what best practices. Not good at all.

        And that is where the Compass does put its opinions — which they have a right to. I am not a particular defender of the Compass, but I see where they try to be straight with news stories. I sometimes feel that they are biased in their editorials towards the perspective of a certain sector of society rather than the society as a whole, but they have a right to their opinions. It is their newspaper.

        No one would fault CNS for having an “input” in the debate — but let’s keep it to the editorial column.

    • Anonymous says:

      8:49, I could not agree with you more. Media should not be trying to insert their perspective into a news report in a way that can be construed to shutting down free speech, but should be supporting debate. That is the business they are in. I know this is a sensitive topic and I may not agree with the churches position, but they base their position on the Bible, which is what they are about, and they should also be allowed the right to a point of view, even if we may not personally agree.

      I too heard these gentlemen on some radio programmes and I never heard the stirring up the pot that you are attributing to them here. And we have to give them credit for standing up for their beliefs right out there in the public, which is something we need to see more of here in Cayman, generally speaking.

      As journalists you need to set an example of reasoned, unemotional debate, especially as they approach an event that we as Cayman citizens could only want to be orderly.

    • Anonymous says:

      @8:49 pm
      The tactic you are using is called Manipulation.
      Don’t try to manipulate CNS by bringing Mr.Leggie into it. When attacking someone in particular, reveal your name for a fair game.

      • Anonymous says:

        @6:56am

        I was in no way trying to manipulate CNS.They can answer for themselves. I enjoy CNS and totally dislike the totally biased “Legge Rag.” I was simply chiding the journalist to stay the course that has made them become the number one unbiased news source in Cayman.

        It very easy to insert emotion and biased opinion when dealing with subjects matter such as this. The best thing to do is to report it as it is and not interject bias or your own opinion so as to try to convince people to decide one way or the other.

        I say there is fair room for debate and free speech. Let the churches and the LGBT community have their say and debate each other but lets not try to sway the general public by biased and opinionated journalism.

        • Anonymous says:

          When you can’t accept an opinion(s) that differs from yours you become biased as well. Ask yourself why is it that you “totally dislike” Mr.Leggie so you even resort to childishly calling him names? Mocking and discrediting someone because his opinion challenge your belief system is not productive or positive. Or mature.

  19. Anonymous says:

    If it weren’t so troubling, it might be quite interesting to see the legal analysis behind a slippery slope that leads from respect for LGBT rights to recognising polygamy and then on to marrying one’s pets and robots.

    CNS, I do look forward to your coverage.

    • Anonymous says:

      If you read carefully, you will see that It is a very poor form of argument when you attempt to imply that if John Brown’s uncle was a lying thief, then one can’t expect John Brown to be much better. It is a rather distasteful form of argument.

      As bad as journalism has been locally, this is sinking to a new low.

      Let’s just stick to the facts.

      CNS:
      Yes, the references to polygamy and marrying pets was indeed attributed to the rally speaker.

  20. Anonymous says:

    Much ado about nothing. Bigger fish to fry

  21. Dave says:

    Interesting. I would like to attend and hear his side. I am open learn and will take notes. I am sure there are alot of pros and cons to this sensitive issue. Family matters involving fedility, the young and innocent are also important issues.

    See me there 😉

  22. Anonymous says:

    Cayman has its own values and constitution which should be respected. If you LGBT Queer folk have an issue find another country.

    • StopTheCrime says:

      That was so gay to say.

    • Anonymous says:

      What about the members of the LGBT community that are full Caymanian? Do we not deserve the same rights as you because of who we happen to love? The world is changing and Cayman needs to follow suit or get left in the dust.

    • Anonymous says:

      You’re absolutely right. In fact, Cayman’s values and constitution prohibit unjust discrimination under the law, including on the basis of sexual orientation. So I’m not sure it’s the LGBT folk who should be leaving, but those who do not believe in the protections the Caymanian Constitution affords.

  23. Anonymous says:

    I’m sure they could have found a qualified and willing Caymanian to do this job…..

  24. Anonymous says:

    Why should the mysery of marriage only be reserved for heterosexual people? Honestly! ?

  25. A.D. says:

    Mean while real problems, injustice and crimes aren’t even getting looked into…. Like the fact, I as a young Caymanian who unfortunately had Cancer had to, give up my job, sell everything I owned and move my family to the US for any chance at living because the hospital who messed up sooo badly in my treatment chose to give up on helping me and told me I had no options, instead of just admitting they did something wrong! I couldnt get any help and I still cant even get a glimpse of justice for that! SMH Cayman ‘ s Priorities are so off..
    Our Children, Our Health, Our Jobs things that can actually hurt us, Those are the things worth Our Time not what two consulting adults do in their bedroom.

  26. Anonymous says:

    Where do I get a ticket.
    I haven’t seen a good fantasy comedy for ages.

  27. Anonymous says:

    I challenge ” Pastor Alson” to add the subject of Divorce to the topics of discussion. Divorce is destroying many of these ” Christian families”. And in the Holy Bible it is also a “sin”. But that’s not going to happen. Too many divorced people in their churches, giving them money!

    • Anonymous says:

      6:23 pm: no need to challenge Pastor Alson to add divorce — it has long been a concern for the church. In respect of the rally, if you go back and read carefully, you will see that he speaks about husband and wife relationships being among some of the “real” issues to be discussed at the rally.

    • Tess says:

      Divorce is not a sin “hail Mary”!

      What bible are you reading???

  28. Anonymous says:

    Erm…..HELLOOOOO……maybe you should open you eyes and take a look around. It has obviously escapes your notice that this little island already has a host of ‘social-ills’.

    Have no fear, we have more than our fair share of:-

    Teenage pregnancies
    Single mothers
    Unwed mothers
    Absent fathers
    Abusive fathers
    Broken families
    Philandering fathers
    Child abuse
    Sexual abuse against children
    Rape
    Murder
    (just to name a few)

    Now….tell me…..how does recognizing equal rights for EVERYONE going to make this island any worse than it is?

    Or to put it a little more directly,

    How exactly is the LGBT community contributing to any of the above?

    Listen, the LGBT is the least of the problems o. This Island.

    How about you start with the educations system? Over $80 million spent on ONE school alone, and yet there are graduates who can barely read or write.

  29. Anonymous says:

    This is uplifting and exciting news to read.

  30. Anonymous says:

    Why are these people so against same sex marriage? With the divorce rate as high as it is in Cayman, you would think they would be fighting against divorce! But then, hypocrites would rather point fingers at other people. Especially since the divorce rate is highest amongst these fine “Christian” people!

  31. Anonymous says:

    So Mr. Gibbs’ claim to fame is protecting child abusers. So typical of the religious set. Say no to gays but it is open day on the innocents!! You so called “ministers” NEED to respond to this!! http://www.patheos.com/blogs/leavingfundamentalism/2016/05/31/the-fixer-christian-lawyers-history-defending-abusers/

    • Anonymous says:

      I don’t get you. So its wrong for Gibbs, a defense lawyer, to protect his clients accused of child abuse???

      He was doing what lawyers do best!

  32. Anonymous says:

    Ugh! Nauseating!

  33. Anonymous says:

    Where are the rainbow waving protestors when you need them? I am not gay, but very much in support of all people having equal rights. I will proudly wave that rainbow flag alongside my fellow Caymanians and residents who happen to be part of the LGBT community.

  34. Anonymous says:

    Thank you David Gibbs III Esq.; now where were you in 2004?

  35. 345 says:

    So, he works for the “Center of Life an Liberty”, I guess his definition of “Liberty” is somewhat more restricted than mine.

  36. Holey Moley says:

    The counter demonstration will be bigger and far more colourful

  37. Anonymous says:

    I wonder how long it will be before Kimpton pull the plug on the Seafire? Their pro-LGBT policy is well documented.

  38. Anonymous says:

    So let me see if I can sum this up.

    1. We have pastors from several churches united in opposition to two people declaring their love for each other.

    2. All of these pastors use a common bible, and for this crusade they will almost exclusively cite passages from the Old Testament. The same Old Testament that contains the 10 Commandments.

    3. More than 50% of those Ten Commandments are being systematically abused on a daily basis in the Cayman Islands.

    4. One of those commandments is: Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Now I would think that this is an important one as it was listed before killing, stealing, adultery etc.

    5. But these “christian” people (note the small “c”) can set aside their differences over the fact that half of them are breaking one of the 10 Commandments to unite in opposition to two people who want to do something in the name of love?

    I’m surprised that the churches only suggest that we tithe 10% of our earnings, as such genius is worthy of at least 75% of our salaries.

  39. Anonymous says:

    What a waste of time energy and money, tourist are being robbed, horses sexually molested, children sexually molested, women beaten, individuals attacked and left unconscious, people unemployed, the elderly suffering, numerous unsolved murders/disappearances, gun crime on the rise, and all we care about is what someone does with his or her or their bodies, 23,000 work permits and rising, and half or all of them are Gay or Lesbian, or bisexual, I am a gay Caymanian, who have worked in the hospitality industry for years, so I know. So what are you going to do, more of Cayman is bisexual or gay than you care to think, and you hateful ones that are always spewing venom are the the one’s to watch. Always heard old people say, ” If it don’t come out in this wash, it will in the next one”, your gay son daughter, niece nephew will reap the hate you are trying to create; it rained a few minutes ago, and it fell on all our house tops. Shame on you for using GOD’S name in this way, to keep certain people who you think do not deserve rights you enjoy, why are you so special?. What is next, women cant vote, black people are slaves again? the lot of you will go down in history as the biggest wasters of time and money, in a time when your country needed you most, what a legacy to leave behind, until either of you claim the throne of GOD, then shut your serpent mouth, for we are immune to your venom, just slightly irritated by your ignorance

  40. Coolie Coalition says:

    This is a Christian Country. We respect the word of the Lord. Be it true or not. This was once the land that time forgot. Now people want to come here and make it their own. NOT TODAY BOBO. Crime will increase if our morals are released.

    • Anonymous says:

      Too late, dat cat boat long gone…

    • Marcia E Banks says:

      Ermm your a bit thick!

    • Anonymous says:

      A christian country?! You are too funny that is a load of bull. More like a bunch of hypocrites!

      Many pretend to be christians but the majority of the christians here, actions speaks loudly to how bigoted they really are… and…. Cayman is as a society.

      Shame on those who expect others to be deprived of their rights simply because, they don’t align with their views.

      What the hell does consenting adults who are gay getting rights have to do with increasing crime?!

      Utter rubbish! Please stop spouting nonsense. Do you hear yourself?!

    • Psalms 137:9 says:

      This a country. Christianity is garbage.

  41. Anonymous says:

    “Why not polygamy, or three or four spouses?”

    You tell me, Mr Old Testament Biblical values.

    • Anonymous says:

      “Which may well stir up abuse” in the LGBT community — shame on you CNS. I have seen this same release published elsewhere and have listened to radio programmes in which the pastors explained their concerns. They clearly spoke to empathy and compassion for everyone even if we do not agree with their choices for their lives.

      After reading your inflammatory piece, I leave the public to judge who is “stirring” up abuse.

    • Anonymous says:

      From the tone of the comments, CNS, you are doing a pretty good job of stirring up negative emotions rather that supporting healthy debate.

    • Anonymous says:

      Obviously some people cannot tolerate any other view but a pro-gay position.

    • Anonymous says:

      According to your story, Pastor Ebanks said “alternative lifestyles … Cannot be the main focus” yet you say he “admitted it was the main point”. So which is it?

  42. Anonymous says:

    A Christian Conservative Lawyer. Can imagine more of a scumbag than that… After this he’ll be attending Donald Trump rallies. These people are honestly the scum of the Earth.

  43. Captain Obvious says:

    These wizards have their heads so far up their asses I don’t know how they manage to breath.

    Your religion and all others are pure science fiction. I don’t get how anyone buys into this crap. It’s 2016 ffs!

    Live and let live, it’s as simple as that.

    • Worship what matters. says:

      Please don’t use science to describe such repulsive idealogies. It’s just a work of fiction, ain’t no science behind it at all.

  44. Zak loved shoes! says:

    Try googling David Gibbs III, very interesting reading.
    I’m sure he’ll fit right in with the church scene here.

  45. Anonymous says:

    Fascinating that a brutal rapist can be the story below this one on CNS and will hardly be noted by our church leaders, but what they imagine consenting adults may be doing in the privacy of their own homes has become an obsession for them. I find the whole topic quite boring. What is about homosexuality that excites Caymanians and the churches so much?

  46. Anonymous says:

    Pay a lawyer enough and they will say anything…

  47. Anonymous says:

    Finally, some sanity in Cayman.

    • Anonymous says:

      You mean Caymankind sanity. To you the rest of the world is crazy.
      Right? Have fun with your new Lawyer toy.

      • Anonymous says:

        As usual CNS would put a slant on the name of the rally. For information it is not ” anti gay” it is ” promotion ofBible- based family values. Everyone is cordially invited, both gays and straights. Let everyone have his or her say. The gays had theirs now it is time for the heterosexuals to have ours. Freedom of speech eh!!

        • Anonymous says:

          If only you applied the same equal rights for all that you espouse in relation to freedom of speech to the other rights in the Constitution.

          Believe in your sky fairy, tell other people they are wrong. But would you please, please, stop demanding your views and discriminatory vitriol is enshrined in the law?

          No one’s asking you to be gay or lose your rights and be treated like a second class citizen. Stop demanding other people they should be straight or face these things.

      • Anonymous says:

        3:59- 30/08 — are you aware of how prejudiced, condescending and disrespectful your use of that term “Caymankind” is?

        Probably not — your thought process reflected in your four simple (in every sense of the word) sentences tells me that would be too much to expect.

        • Fun bring bun says:

          I couldn’t agree with you more. Some are on this “caymankind” term like a dog in heat. It was a term used as a marketing tool well over a year ago. Get off it.

        • Anonymous says:

          7:08 pm — I would add “bigoted” to the trio you used. Probably, too thick to realise that, though.

  48. Anonymous says:

    Let he/she without sin through the first stone!

    Whatever they preach will not change the fact that I am gay and I am married to my partner! So….I am legally married in first world countries but not here.

    Get over yourselves.

  49. G says:

    GET A LIFE.

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