SEVERAL gay rights activists picketed outside the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court on East Coast Demerara last Monday during the hearing of a case involving a juvenile charged with assault. The protestors were actually members of the Society Against Sexual Orientation (SASOD) and Guyana Trans United (GTU) who were picketing against what they deemed the unfair treatment of 16-year-old Michael Andrews before Magistrate Sueanna Lovell.
Reports suggest that Andrews was arrested on Saturday, June 7, after missing his Court date last Friday, when he was expected to appear to defend himself against allegations that several young individuals attacked him last August at a dance in Buxton, also on East Coast Demerara because he looked quite feminine to them.
Magistrate Lovell postponed the case to June 30 after Andrews gave a reason for not appearing the first time, last week Friday.
Executive member of SASOD, Joel Simpson explained that Andrews was of the belief that he was scheduled for the appearance on Friday, June 14, instead.
According to Simpson, Andrews had voluntarily visited a Police station to enquire whether an arrest warrant was issued for him but ranks there held him until Monday.
Was angered
Simpson said his organisation was angered by such a Police move since no summons had been issued before an arrest warrant in the teen’s case.
He added that the boy had never before missed a Court date although he is studying and working.
Simpson said the boy’s relatives and other activists are further peeved because they are asked to vacate the courtroom whenever the case is called.
Simpson said the action is shocking because the case does not necessitate an ‘in-camera hearing’.
Those protesting outside the courthouse held placards stating, among other things, ‘LGBT Guyanese Demand Fair and Equal Treatment under the Law’ and ‘Human Rights and Equality for All: No exceptions’.