Blackett states his position on same-sex unions

The Democratic Labour Party (DLP) administration will not be changing the law to allow for same-sex marriages in Barbados.

This was made abundantly clear yesterday by Minister of Social Care, Constituency Empowerment and Community Development, the Hon. Steven Blackett.

Recalling the recent noise over the Christ Church East MP, Dr Denis Lowe’s stance that he was not in favour of such unions, Blackett said that as Minister with responsibility for Family, Gender and Ecclesiastical Affairs, he also wishes to state his position.

In fact, he told the Lower House during his contribution to the 2017 Financial Statement and Budgetary Proposal that his opinion will not be stifled in any way or trampled upon by any group – local or international.

“I believe the overseas ones are out of place – they set their own agendas and we set ours here in Barbados. The last time I checked we were a sovereign nation, deciding on our own policy agenda,” he stressed.

According to Blackett, the presence of the gay population in Barbados is nothing new. However, he stated that what is new is the attempt to transport or transplant an alien culture in Barbados called same-sex marriages.

“That is what is new. Attempting to pass it off as if it is a new-normal, or the new standard – it is not the new normal, neither is it the new standard as far as this Minister is concerned,” he said.

“I believe if such an occurrence was to find acceptance by the majority of the population in Barbados and it found its way into this chamber, either by way of amendment or by completely new legislation, the legislative process will
have to be piloted and championed by yours truly. If that is so, then we have a problem and a big problem too. I will have to respectfully ask to let this cup pass from me.

“…The legal conjoining of two members of the same-sex in marriage will not find favour with me now, or at any time in my political life or normal regular life,” Blackett added.
(TL)

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