— Attorney Pieters rubbishes Azruddin’s statements, apology to LGBTQIA2S+ community

CIVIL and human rights lawyer Selwyn Pieters has criticised recent comments made by Leader of the Opposition Azruddin Mohamed, arguing that the issue lies not in the intent of the remarks, but in their potential impact on members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community and on the standards expected of a constitutional office holder.
Sharing his analysis of an apology issued by the opposition leader, Pieters contended that Mohamed’s comments referencing two government ministers in relation to their alleged sexual orientation and participation in prayers at a mosque raised concerns about discrimination and the use of personal identity in political discourse.
According to Pieters, the statements appeared to directly connect the opposition leader’s remarks to his official position, given the explicit reference to sitting members of parliament.
Pieters said the comments made by Mohamed are incompatible with his constitutional office, and violates Articles 1, 13, 146, 149, and 154A of the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana Chapter 1:01.
The lawyer also pointed to the Constitution’s preamble, which outlines a commitment to fostering a harmonious society grounded in democratic principles, social justice and respect for human rights. In his analysis, Pieters maintained that remarks targeting fellow parliamentarians on the basis of their sexual orientation could be viewed as contrary to the Constitution.
“The LOO comments and statements in his official role could reasonably be seen to harm the reputation of his constitutional office and the Parliament of Guyana,” he said, adding: “Decrying lesbians and bisexuals as questionable characters being allowed to pray in a mosque, creates a chilling atmosphere where they will have to hide their sexual orientation or risk facing exclusion or expulsion.”
Pieters noted that sexual orientation forms a fundamental part of personal identity and dignity, referencing a case from the Caribbean Court of Justice in the Quincy McEwan et al v Attorney General of Guyana.
He warned too that such comments could have wider implications within political organisations, suggesting that members of Mohamed’s political movement might feel pressured to conceal aspects of their identity in order to remain active in political participation.
“Azruddin Imtiaz Mohamed’s comments also sends a chilling message to WIN members that they will have to hide their sexual orientation, which, in itself, constitutes a serious interference with a fundamental human rights guarantee of political participation.”
He added: “Any purported apology is a non-apology given the statement released today.”
In a video that has been widely circulated across several social media platforms, the WIN leader was heard making discriminatory remarks against the LGBTQIA2S+ community’s presence in religious institutions.
Several organisations and public figures have condemned his remarks.