Dear Editor
WE live in a society where the Supreme Law, i.e. the Guyana Constitution, in its preamble, expressly requires of us to “Celebrate our cultural and racial diversity and strengthen our unity by eliminating any and every form of discrimination.”

Ensconced in this instrument your right to equality is secured, not only in the instance of Article 146 that protects free expression which allows for the articulating of your reality in your pursuit for equality, end to persecution or other forms of discrimination in the workplace and wider society. This fundamental right is buttressed by Article 147 that protects the right to freedom of assembly and association, Article 149 which cements protection from being discriminated against on the grounds of your orientation, and Article 149D which deals with equality of persons before the law.

These fundamental rights and freedoms must not to be trifled with. For these are not only ensconced in Supreme Law, but moreso are informed by United Nations Declarations, International Labour Organisation Conventions, Organisation of American States Charters, etc, and commonly referred to as universally acceptable principles. Where Guyana is a member of these institutions, whether Government, on our behalf, has ratified these tenets or not, Government is duty bound to respect them equally as all of us bear the civic duty and responsibility to agitate and advocate for legislation to reinforce their respect and implementation.

It should be noted, any law, policy or programme that runs contrary to these rights and freedoms, efforts must be made to have them nullified. As I say this, it’s not lost on me that ours is a culture seeped in the notion that some sexual conduct are not considered in a favourable light by God which serves as justification to discriminate against.

Let me pause to advocate here, equally as I do for the Guyana Constitution: Education must play a vital role in our understanding of instruments in order that their spirit and intent are reflected in the shaping of laws, policies and programmes. In the absence of knowledge or in the presence of poor reading of the instruments, people will more likely be prone to mistreat the other and justify the mistreatment or abuse of the nation’s resources on the pretext that their action is written and permissible. I say to you, No.

Where other progressive societies are moving forward, so too must Guyana get in line and proceed. As a trade unionist, I can confidentially tell you, anything worth having is worth fighting for. I’m not going to stand here or pretend that as a group, acceptance as equal members of this society won’t be fraught with challenges, ridicule and danger. Neither am I going to say the innate desire to be treated with dignity and respect will be achieved without putting up a studied, studious, and determined fight.

Fortunately or unfortunately, the history of the diverse groups in this society has not been without a struggle for equality. It’s a struggle we must view with pride, not disdain; commit to continue, not abandon; for should any group defer to a life absence of vigilance and focus, that group will inevitably be marginalised.

Your right to exist, participate as equal members of society and to be so treated is equally important as others. Respect for the heterosexual orientation of one must too ensure respect for the diverse orientation of others. I don’t have to like your orientation nor you mine in order to respect each other, consistent with protected human rights and freedoms.

Modern day pursuit for worldwide comity is built on a moral compass grounded in these principles, not religious doctrines or gut-feelings. And there is a reason for this, for were the compass to be set by such doctrines the Crusades would have still been raging and present-day religious extremists would have found acceptance. Likewise, should gut-feelings be the determinant for engagement and decisions, might would be right.

And this brings me to the issue of laws in our statute books that criminalise conduct which today has been decriminalised among consenting adults consistent with universally acceptable tenets. Evidently, you are aware of the clauses in the Criminal Offences Acts which run contrary to safeguarding your constitutional rights. These laws were instituted by the British colonial authority. Britain has since excised them from their statutes yet Guyana holds on and justifies their existence. Over the years I have observed voices raised in condemnation and highlighting their archaic nature. Your voice must not be still or grow weary until modernity is attained.

There is concurrence with the pursuit to eliminate discrimination against the LGBT community, in the society and workplace, via laws, policies, programmes and practices. As an organised demographic, where you are not only citizens but workers and voters, you’re urged to intensify the use of your power to ensure the structural deficiencies in society are corrected. Those who seek your vote must know support is contingent on moving to eliminate systems that militate against you. Where you are employed or provide of your labour as employer or self-employed, insist on being treated with dignity and respect for who you are, advocate for change, or lead the change.

As I take my leave, let me so reinforce what is already known…the fight for equality must continue. Solidarity forever!
Thank you and may God richly bless us all.
Regards,
Lincoln Lewis