Referendum bid on gay marriage fails
MLA Anthony Eden
(CNS): The government narrowly defeated MLA Anthony Eden’s efforts to force it into a referendum on same-sex marriage after a long debate in the Legislative Assembly Thursday. Going down to the wire, all eight members of the opposition benches supported the motion, while all nine government members voted ‘no’. Most members spoke on the issue but, once again, Gender Affairs Minister Tara Rivers remained silent on the topic, even though her ministry is at the heart of the issues surrounding discrimination against members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual transgender community.
In previous statements and debates in the LA about this issue some members pushed the limits of tolerance with the kind of comments they were making about LGBT people, and not just regarding their desire to marry or have their committed relationships recognized in law.
Things began in a seemly manner Thursday, but during the debate Eden returned to unpleasant, intolerant and discriminatory rhetoric, as he accused gay men of depravity and child rape.
Confident that the people of Cayman would vote a resounding ‘no’ to gay marriage if there was a referendum, Eden took the position that the vote would demonstrate a national position that would deter the UK from imposing same-sex marriage.
The UK has stated on numerous occasions that they will not force Cayman to facilitate marriage for same-sex couples, but have said that the country will need to develop a legal framework to prevent gay couples from being discriminated against in terms of their right to a family life.
However, Eden’s motion called only for a referendum on gay marriage and not civil partnerships or registered unions that would convey legal rights to same-sex couples.
In his response to the debate the premier made it clear that the government has no intention of introducing gay marriage and therefore a costly referendum was unnecessary. Reading from the speech he delivered at the recent church rally (which can be found on the CNS Library) he re-emphasised government’s position that “marriage is an institution sanctioned by god and reserved for persons of the opposite sex and of the age of majority”.
He said that was not going to change and the comments made by Britain’s overseas territories minister, Baroness Anelay, did not affect that position. However, he said there was a need for change in the way we treat people from LGBT community in same-sex relationships.
“The authority to change the law resides with this House,” he reminded members, as he questioned the need for a referendum where the outcome would almost certainly be to retain the status quo. “What is this referendum seeking to achieve? I have no doubt that the mover believes in the position he has taken but I can’t be quite so sure that others speaking about this are using it as anything but a political tool for the forthcoming campaign,” he added.
He said government had to act responsibly and a referendum was not something to be entered into lightly because “it is expensive and time-consuming at a time when the Elections Office is under immense pressure to administer elections under a brand new system”, and asked what purpose such a vote would serve.
During the debate it became clear that not all of those on the opposition bench that had signed the motion were as concerned about the perspective of sinning. Winston Connolly declared himself against gay marriage but seemed to support civil partnerships. Alva Suckoo tried to persuade government to hold the referendum as it was a fair and democratic way to deal with the issue “once and for all”, and that the community might surprise the premier and support gay marriage, though he made it clear he was a Christian and therefore did not.
The independent members from East End and North Side focused, not surprisingly, on the outside threat. They appeared to believe that members of the local LGBT community had been perfectly happy with their lot here and how they have been treated until outsiders came and stirred up the trouble, and they called out the two lawyers who had successfully appealed the immigration board decision to refuse a dependency on a work permit because, although legally married, the couple were of the same-sex.
Opposition Leader McKeeva Bush implied that although he did not think there was any discrimination against the LGBT community, the Immigration Appeals Tribunal, which had overturned the board’s decision, was changing policy. He said that if he had been premier, the board would have been sent home the next day, and implied that government was setting a precedent and moving towards changing the law, regardless of what it said.
MLAs on the government benches all emphasised their support for retaining marriage as between members of the opposite sex, even Financial Services Minister Wayne Panton, who has so far been the only MLA to openly support the introduction of some form of legal partnership and who is determined to change cultural attitudes towards the LGBT community.
But he was not alone, as several government voices seemed to be coming around to the fact that a legal framework of some kind is needed to convey basic human rights to same-sex couples outside of what was seen as the sanctity of marriage.
Roy McTaggart talked about his changing beliefs and how the things he learned growing up about homosexuality were very wrong and he now understood that sexuality was not so fixed. He pointed to scientific research that demonstrates the transitional and changing sexuality and gender of many creatures.
Eden, however, stuck to his position that homosexuality is an abomination and insisted that this wasn’t his view but came from the Bible, as he raised his fears about a repeat of Sodom and Gomorrah and God being judge, jury and executioner.
But when he spoke about God making man and woman in his own image, he unintentionally raised the issue that God may have more understanding about gender fluidity than most.
See the premier’s statement on same-sex issues in the CNS Library. Most of the debate is now available on CIGTV and begins below at 42:30
I am actually impressed with several of the politicians who commented in this debate- those who realize that what they learned over the years is to be questioned and those who realize that all persons need to have their rights protected and advanced. Cayman has never been a hate-filled place. All the “developed” countries that now support gay rights have gone through the same process that we are now experiencing, and thankfully we do not have the record of imprisonment and harassment as some of the European countries do. In fact the legal recognition of same-sex civil unions and marriage came very recently in many European countries. Therefore, we really need to discuss the issues without calling each other insulting names and making degrading accusations against the Cayman Islands as a whole. Hopefully more people will be willing to examine their long held assumptions and beliefs as Mr. McTaggart has, put aside their unfounded fears and go the next step in helping all people reap the benefits of living in stable legally recognized relationships that give added value to the community in many different ways.
ThinkingMan
Only in a secularist country.
Agree with your comment completely!
Every time I look at the news it depresses me. From Cayman politics to Trump running for president to the children dying in Syria. I am speechless. So much hate and ignorance. Where’s Noah when you need him?
He is still in the story books.
Romans 12:16-18
16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.
18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone
Looks like our selective Christians missed these verses…
How could they possibly not overlook those verses when majority of the book is full of garbage?
I guess we’re back to making some 2000 year old book govern us, can’t wait till the uk overthrows these idiots in government tbh
I’m sensing that there are quite a number of Theists, Racists and LGBTr’s posting their thoughts on the article. Yes we do have freedom of speech for all. It is so sad that those who decry God and who talk about slaves and slavery and those who want equality will not be barb enough to post their names. If you are do convinced of your particular creed or belief, publish your names, the constitution protects your right to speak, your right to assemble and while the right of same sex marriage is not at this time, you should not be afraid to say who you are. Nobody is going to beat you, nobody is going to stone you. If you live in fear you will so die.
Respect.
Yeah, that approach worked really well for Professor Raznovich when he was at the Law School. Look where exercising his rights to speak on the subject of equality got him.
I don’t think they decry God. Just the books that were written by men allegedly representing our good Lord for the purposes of control of mankind. Same for Muslims and pretty much anyone…the only one I have any time for is the Dalai Lama
Names Nick, feel free to call other people cowards who stray from your narrow thinking and don’t let a book govern their lives
If you post your name you can loose your job.
A lot of people can’t take criticism these days, and I can voice my opinions and say that some old book isn’t gonna govern me or play a role in my life.
Post your name and you might be hosting the new lions center rally in your front yard.
You can call us all “John” like you called yourself.
There I posted my name “John” not that it’s any one business. Anonymity is a powerful, and necessary tool to allow wider participation…without fear of retribution / retaliation.
All this ignorance and prejudice would be bad enough if God actually existed. Imagine having to choose between a divisive, mean, and backward real god or basic human rights. Now that would be tough. Hell or justice for all? Loyalty to the divine mass murdering bigot of the Bible or loyalty to fellow humans who have committed no such crimes? Which way would you go? It’s like hiding Anne Frank or giving her up to the Nazis.
But that’s not what is happening here. We have people forsaking their neighbors to appease a god who doesn’t even exist. (if you know he does, we await your presentation of credible evidence) . How tragic and senseless a situation. To place the desires of an imaginary friend above the welfare and happiness of a living, breathing human is the worst.
Look at Anthony Eden. Extract the make-believe god nonsense from his mind and we probably would have an amiable fellow who means well and wouldn’t cause much if any harm to the world. But thanks to the imaginary friend who lives in his head he’s certain beyond question that he must be backward-looking, mean, and socially destructive. Sad situation.
#blessed
when ypu come face to face with your Creator, remember your words
..
I am not the writer you replied to, but your remark is insulting.
You have to learn and accept that there are people who think different than you.
You have to learn to respect their opinion, since you could be the one that is wrong.
But what will you do when you face your Creator?
3:39am, I face my parents regularly and all is well.
I’ve met both of my parents thanks (I’m not from West Bay)
And what will you do if it turns out the Muslims are right?
The grave will supply a time for silence.
Is Heaven perfect if you see your loved ones suffering in Hell?
Mr, Miller, Mr. Mclean, I so agree with you, my great, great great, grandfather told me the same thing. He said his slaves were really happy with their lot until those pesky outsiders came in an filled their heads with freedom and equality…..they were even more unhappy when they were “set free” because they had to work for a living and begged to go back to being chained and beaten and forced to work every hour for nothing…because at least then they were fed and watered…….
Christians use homosexuality as an excuse to spread their bigotry and defend their faith. Christians don’t have any evidence to support there claim for god so they attack minorities in the efforts of converting and controlling people to fuel their own delusional lifestyle.
It’s a mistake to paint all of Christianity with the same brush – Cayman’s Church of God and evangelical branches here are all of the extreme fundamental right flavour. The “Anglican Church” advertised here is the one from King Edward VI’s time, and is not affiliated with the contemporary Anglican Church in England and elsewhere. Moderate Christianity in 2016 is by and large very much inclusive of LGBT community, with many denominations supporting openly gay clergy. They certainly have the intellectual flexibility now to differentiate between civil law and religious doctrine – a conceptual leap that Cayman still has grave trouble with.
Well they accepted evolution as fact even though the Adam and Eve fairy tale in the bible is used to explain the progression of man. Now instead of Adam and Eve they say Evolution of god… SMH
Wake up Cayman! Your minds have been programmed over the years by the white missionaries telling us savages about the great God who hates everyone who are different and don’t follow his rules.
Caymanians are intelligent and educated in the ways of the world! Make your educated voices heard and fight for equal rights for everyone! Even those who Anthony Eden says are perverted, rapists, choir molesters- gay! He obviously has a narrow world view, doesn’t get out much, and is poorly educated.
Marriage and legal dependents is between a man and a woman and the offspring there of.. failing a referendum we will hold you to that..
Okay, most of these sad MLAs are from the Dark Ages but what excuse do Tara Rivers and Winston Connelly have?
They want to get re-elected by the bible thumping masses.
Let me take three full minutes and identify everyone and everything that is unfairly influenced, injured or compromised by existence/acceptance of LGBT marriage; Surely we can all spare at least three minutes:
1.
Please feel free to count the full three minutes, and add to the list as you see fit. You can throw the first stone, if you fit the qualifications.
Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world, red and yellow, black and white, straight, curved, bent or uptight. Jesus loves all the children of the world. Except for you Eden, he don’t like dinosaurs so he destroyed them with meteors.
We don’t need the bible to tell us how to live, thank you very much.
1) I’m glad this motion for the referedum wasn’t approved. It would’ve been a waste of time and money.
2) Anthony Eden is a XXXXX! How dare he refer to members of the LGBT community in the manner that he did, trying to accuse gay men of child rape? Really now, Mr. Eden? So am I to assume that all the child molestations on the island, and worldwide, have taken place at the hands of gay men? *rolls eyes* What an IDIOT!
3) Instead of these dumb a** politicians placing so much focus on a topic that doesn’t personally involve them (at least to my current knowledge), they should be focusing on more important issues at hand. This constant back-and-forth of debating and discussing the LGBT community only further shows how little these MLA’s care about the major issues that are damaging our islands.
4) Why is anyone’s love life anybody else’s business anyways?
5) One thing I’ve heard people say recently: If you can constantly talk in disgust about an issue such as same-sex relationships, then maybe you’re having conflicting feelings in regards to your own sexuality. Ever thought about that? Haha! 🙂
Peace and love, folks!
Research has claimed the Bible is estimated to date back to 600 BCE. Why on earth are people still living their lives and trying to force others to live theirs according to such archaic scripture? Times have changed. Why can’t everyone just live their own lives? Live your own life rather than wasting your time worrying about what anyone else is doing. Don’t judge. Mind your own business. Let’s all get along. Just be nice. We learned this in kindergarten people!
Question: is Joey Hew still elected? I believe Capt Eugene actually contributes more to these debates than Joey. He hasnt said a word this entire session. Just sits there on his ipad.
He has a business to run
Another waste of space collecting money for nothing living off Lenny’s name
And that’s what he has been paid to do all 3. Yeas of his political existence. The people watch the LA proceedings they will not be fooled by the Sweet mouth visits . He was a coat trailer candidate let’s see what he dies in the constituency Alden puts him to run.
Eden, and the other seven members of the Opposition, I can guarantee you, that as a Gay Caymanian male I am no more prone to depravity and child rape than any of you. I can also guarantee that 99% of pedophiles label themselves ‘Straight’ and are more prevalent to carry themselves around in sheep clothing than me being Gay and out and proud and have no shame to do so. In this article it states . . .” Eden’s motion called only for a referendum on gay marriage and not civil partnerships or registered unions that would convey legal rights to same-sex couples”. Well da!!! Many of us Gay people in the Cayman Islands do not necessary want a walk me down the aisle ceremony as such. You hit the nail right on the head – All we want is the right to have our relationships recognized by law so that our partners can have the right to legally reside and work in the country, if applicable, and receive pension and health care benefits like any heterosexual couple on these islands. That’s ALL. Nothing more and nothing LESS!!!!!!!
So, why don’t we follow the entire Old Testament and allow bigamy – multiple wives, and all the barbaric acts carried out in the name of God. Christianity started with Christ. When Christ (Jesus) came on the scene to teach us how to live (and to die on the cross for the forgiveness of sins) He told us to “love the Lord they God with all your heart and love your neighbour as yourself”.
I am a Cristian and I do not think that Jesus Christ meant for us to be selective in who we love. The LGBT community are our brothers and sisters, they are someone’s children, and deserve love in their lives. We have to at least legally recognize civil unions and give them the same rights as ‘married’ heterosexual couples. We have to stop acting like Cayman has never had homosexuals in these islands. This is nonsense.
The government has approved “for immigration purposes” the recognization of marriage of the couple who took this to court. What are they going to do when these men become Caymanian and immigration is not an issue? I know Caymanian couples who have gone to other countries and got married. Are we going to recognize their marriage? WE SHOULD!!
Are they finally going to realise that they have lost this? Religion holds no place in politics, this isn’t the dark ages it’s the 21st century. Discriminating against your fellow human on the basis of religion is not only wrong it’s disgusting and teaching children such a lifestyle is equally deplorable.
Even a fool can see that the root of this type of bigotry and discrimination stems from hostile religions like christianity in which people use their belief as a license to spread hatred and bigotry.
Acknowledging human rights is “unchristian” but spreading hate and bigotry is “christian”.
What is both funny and sad is if the majority of residents we’re pastafarian instead of christian then less hatred and bigotry would be rampant but only crazy people can be made to believe in an omnipotent being.
I for one don’t blame God for religious hate and bigotry. All freedom comes from God. It’s just that many have different views of God and act accordingly. And what are views and beliefs, has nothing to do with what is reality.
Yes, beliefs don’t make it fact or acceptable.
CNS: “In his response to the debate the premier made it clear that the government has no intention of introducing gay marriage and therefore a costly referendum was unnecessary.” Well CNS don’t sound like Alden want to get re-elected. What is he thinking. He is going to give the election to Bush! Cause most Caymanians are not for same-sex marriage.
Most caymanians ?
You checked with all of them ?
I think most caymanians dont care about this issue.
Just a few loud jesus freaks.
Again why? Why do we live in a planets of the apes world?
Eden accusing gay men of child rape ?
Check your history, asshole. Most child abusers are christian fanatics.
Mr. Eden: many people on this island have no health insurance, no job, no money to pay the waterbill. They suffer in quietness, because you have to fight gay people. You don’t even understand what it means to be gay.
Easy for you you make probably 25k a month on your mla income and pension. You have no idea how normal people have to fight to stay alive.
You are a disgrace for the caymanians and humanity in general.
Thanks to you I left my church and lost my believe in god. You showed me this is all a lie.
You mr eden, disgust me.
Duhhhhhhhhh
Tara Rivers – time to pin your colours to the mast.
Hard to stand up to do the pinning when you have no spine.
Never gonna happen.
Alva Suckoo ‘he’s a Christian and therefore does not support gay marriage’. Being a Christian does not determine whether someone is supportive of gay marriage or not. There are many gay and lesbian Christians including the Bishop of Grantham. I am a straight female in my 50s and I believe I hold attitudes and values which I believe to be more ‘Christian’ than those bigots purporting to be ‘fine examples of Christianity’. For example, I support love, humanity, tolerance and understanding. I am constantly saddened by this intolerance towards fellow human beings. How can Eden possibly suggest that gay people are in the same group as paedophiles, what crass ignorance and hatred.
Totally agree with your comment!
Caymanian Heterosexual Male
Registered Voter
Except the Jamaicans but that goes without saying
Dont worry about eden.
Worry about the people that support him.
Actually, being a Christian does determine it does if you are true to the teachings of the Christian faith and have not abandoned it in favour of the current fashion.
Well biblically the concept of marriage is between a man and a woman so….in saying that being a “Christian” would technically translate into your not supporting gay marriage. Technically speaking.
I am a God fearing male over 40 years old and my belief is the act of marriage is a religious commitment. Now that said a civil union is one of legal means and suits more for what the LGBT community and atheist community needs. We would just have to have an honest and open discussion as to what rights would be given.
I am open to this pathway but I would stand against the concept of Marriage being changed to include marriage of two people of the same sex.
I can’t believe we pay these disorderly pigeon-brains to meet one week a month and in that precious time our Speaker allows each moron to fully recycle their hate-fuelled transcripts from the last four borathons, instead of having to do their homework and discussing the full roster of new Bills and business. She’s literally wasting millions of our dollars by enabling these marginal half-prepped efforts. It would be funny if it weren’t so sad.
I agree completely!
But didn’t the Baroness state we must go according to the laws??? Tara remained silent does that not surprise us
+1
Disorderly pigeon brains. Ha ha, I like it. Can I use it?
I look forward to the Cayman Islands drying up as tourist destinations and disappearing under the waves.
Why Larry?
That is exactly what is going to happen with these morons at the helm.
What if someone not only wished but acted in such a way to destroy youyour family . Why incite more than Is necessary. If this issue hurts you that much find a way to leave this place, if you can’t afford it, go to a church and ask, they will help you.Be at peace with yourself so you can be at peace with others. Peace be unto you .
All church is good for is housing child molesters.
C’mon Larry!
As a household of Cayman voters, we’ll proudly sign our names to any petition for the recognition and respect of our teritorry’s legal obligations – be those towards same sex civil unions or the lawful resumption of a path to citizenship. We will not endorse any party or candidates that ignore international judicial precedents in regards to civil and human rights – esp those that would consciously expose millions of our public funds to avoidable and certain losses. We need more sophisticated intellects at the levers.
Well said! I too agree
Agree
Being proud is inclusive of identifying yourself.
Agreed!!!
Just refer to the first 5 books of the old testament. Mr Eden is a good man for upholding the Lord’s commandments and statutes. After all, we are a Christian nation. Let us not forget the fate of all nations who dishonor the Lord…
First cayman is not a nation.
Second a nation can not be considered to be of any religion.
Cayman IS a nation. One definition of a nation is “a community of people composed of one or more nationalities and possessing a more or less defined territory and government”. And yes, our Constitution recognises that we are a Christian nation. it says “The people of the Cayman Islands, recalling the events that have shaped their history and made them what they are, and acknowledging their distinct history, culture and Christian heritage and its enduring influence and contribution in shaping the spiritual, moral and social values that have guided their development and brought peace, prosperity and stability to those islands, through the vision, forbearance, and leadership of their people, who are loyal to Her Majesty the Queen;
Affirm their intention to be—
? A God-fearing country based on traditional Christian values, tolerant of other religions
and beliefs…”
My Christian faith welcomes LGBT individuals and supports same-sex marriage.
Recalling the events? You mean like slavery?
It’s truly depressing that such ignorant prejudice persists in this day and age
I I I I uh don’t know. 2000 years is a long time. Was anyone ever able to prove any of this weirder, of all stuff with the smoting and cleaving asunder?
When Clinton referred to Trump supporters as a “basket of deplorables” she was being very kind. Unfortunately for you – you belong firmly in that basket – a disgusting mass of crap who Jesus himself would be absolutely ashamed to call his people. The time is coming where good people – christian people and the true followers of the message of Jesus Christ will no longer just stand by and allow you and your ilk to continue to abuse those around you. You are a dinosaur, you are a relic – now go and fossilize yourself and leave the rest of us to get on with the the business of making this a better world. You disgust me.
Good to know there’s no discrimination against LGBT people in Cayman and it’s these damn foreigners causing problems again in these blessed Christian Isles but if that’s the case why do the gay son and a gay cousin of one of the MLAs live in the UK rather than here in Cayman?
Exactly! And one of the MLA’s who is so against equal rights only to try to secure the large salary he could not hope to earn anywhere else.
A member of the LA has a gay son…oh my god. How can this be???? Which district, please do tell us!!!
No, Mr James, CNS would not (rightly) print the name. It would cause an absolute blizzard of protests and legal threats.
Tara is Irish for “vacuous waste of space”.
eden perfectly represents the backwardness, ignorance and hypocrisy of the cayman islands…
That is your narrow minded opinion. My opinion is that the Hon. Anthony Eden is a man with backbone and convictions that you unfortunately lack. I fully support him.
He might have a backbone and stand up for he believes in, but unfortunately it represents the backwardness, ignorance and hypocrisy of the Cayman Islands…just like the last person said.
Yes, ironic that adultery, corruption, greed and crime are tolerated by those with strong ‘Christian’ values.
Ya got that right! *rolls eyes*
Your statement is a little too sweeping.
Only true fools would listen to what these wanna be kings and queens would say is the truth. Let them do what they will with their own lives and people. They have a good reason to fear the future and live in the past.
12.36 right on, Donald Trump says he tells the truth…and yeh, right, we get the picture. And he sure does want to be a King so he can grab the Queens by the p***y. They just love celebrity!! And he says he is a man of God, sounds like he could be from certain places around here…we should check. Maybe he is Caymanian after all and should not even be standing for election?
Well, true-Norns s do have an orangish tint.
I predicted this a long time ago. Check the posts. Alden will announce the change in legislation soon. He has already publicly separated himself from this issue and the announcement will be promoted as protection of the Cayman Islands from Human Rights law suits. It is done and dusted. How do I know? That would be telling.
That would be fantastic news. But it seems so unlikely since Alden is a spineless votemonger who will only do things to pander to the baser elements of the electorate in this stage of a legislative term.
@12.22 I will finish your last sentence for you : ‘That would be telling” a lie as I am only making a guess.
Your conjecture is irrelevant. I told you it will happen. Sit back, stop panicking, relax and watch.
Nostradamus, one thing’s wrong with your prediction. The Constitution which Alden can’t announce a change on. Now that can only be done by referendum. So come again.
I don’t understand where this misinformation keeps coming from.
NO change to the Constitution is required to allow for recognition of same-sex couples, either through civil marriage or otherwise. All that is required is a change to the marriage law, or separate legislation recognizing their relationships.
Our Constitution grants POSITIVE rights to the people to assure those rights cannot be infringed upon by the government. To that end, it contains an explicit grant of the right of marriage to heterosexual couples. But its says nothing AGAINST the recognition of same-sex relationships, nor does it DEFINE marriage as being solely between a man and a woman.
To say that everyone is guaranteed orange juice with their breakfast DOES NOT MEAN that you can’t have grapefruit juice, too. It merely means that the provision grapefruit juice or any juice other than orange juice is not guaranteed.
In fact, the Constitution grants the POSITIVE rights to ALL Caymanians to be free from unjust discrimination under the laws and to have their government respect their private lives and families. By failing to provide equal legal recognition of the relationships and families of gay, lesbian and transgender Caymanians, the CIG is infringing on these Constitutionally protected rights, plain and simple.
All gay, lesbian and transgender Caymanians want is to enjoy the same respect for their private lives and families under the law. They seek these changes to the law precisely because they desire, long for, and respect the institution of marriage and the sanctity of the family, just like you and me.
And to add to this very intelligent discourse ~ Same sex people are not asking to be blessed by your pastors, your God or your congregation, or be married in your church. (Why would they want to be married by one of your hateful ministers in one of your hateful churches anyway.) They just desire to be recognized legally, for official purposes. And to be afforded every right and privilege of every other recognized matrimonial union.
Just don’t be a disorderly pigeon brain. Please.
“Most members spoke on the issue but, once again, Gender Affairs Minister Tara Bush remained silent on the topic, even though her ministry is at the heart of the issues surrounding discrimination against members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual transgender community.”
Just when you thought (hoped?) Tara could not prove herself even more of an utterly astounding waste of space in this administration, she manages to exceed all expectations.
12.20 Why does every member need to speak,. It is not required by the constitution or any law.
I agree, every MLA does not need to speak on every bill. Indeed the world would be a better place if Eden, Arden and Ezzard never spoke again on anything. That said, I would hope the Minister for Gender Affairs to at least have something to say on this matter.
Yes, this even tops the lack of response when Ozzie attacked Jennifer over a phone bill. I think she will be a one and done MLA.
I agree completely! She is a total waste!
Tara should be ashamed of herself for not at least voicing her opinion, regardless if she supports same-sex marriage/unions or not. It may not be a requirement for all MLA’s to speak on every matter, but the ministry she’s in charge of is crucial to this issue, and she’s doing/saying nothing.
What a waste having her in office for the last 4 years!
G’way and crawl back under your rock you old dinosaur!
Dinosaurs? They never existed. Fossils have been planted in the ground by God to test our faith. Or put another way, our Loving Lord was messing with our heads with fossils.
Please be sarcasm because of it’s really I am honestly not think that someone as incoherently stupid as you made it this far in life
He also created shellfish to test our faith… don”t eat the shellfish…