It
is my pleasure to join the European Union delegation and the Society Against
Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) at this reception to mark International
Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.
Unfortunately,
the Honourable Prime Minister could not be here but he sent his regards and
best wishes for a successful event. I’m pleased to represent him on this
occasion.
Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton, M.P. (Neketa Forde Photo)
International
Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia is observed on May 17 to
raise awareness of violence, discrimination, and repression of LGBT communities
worldwide.
The Government of Guyana strongly believes that
“no person should be discriminated against on the basis of gender identity and
sexual orientation, since everyone has a right to work, pension and gratuity”.
More
specifically, the Ministry of Social Cohesion embraces and advocates tolerance
and unity for all Guyanese. Our mission is to support actions that strengthen key partnerships
across sectors, facilitate bridging gaps within and across communities and
contribute to socio economic, cultural, spiritual well-being and enriched
livelihoods for all.
It must be pointed
out that not only does the ministry advocate for inclusion, but it practices it
as well.
Just last week, I presented
to our Honourable Prime Minister, a copy of the completed five year Strategic
Plan for Promoting and enhancing Social Cohesion in Guyana.
This
plan was developed as a result of an
inclusive and participatory process which in a large way included SASOD - a
member of the Ministry of Social Cohesion’s peer group.
The peer group was responsible for designing and guiding the citizens’
consultation process for the formulation of the Ministry’s strategic plan. SASOD
remains a stakeholder in fostering Social Cohesion in Guyana.
No Guyanese, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender
identity should be excluded from contributing to the development of our
country. Exclusion on any basis will only result in detriment to Guyana.
The Ministry of Social Cohesion has been working in communities
across the length and breadth of the country to educate our people about our
diversity and inclusion.
We have been educating these persons about the importance of
acceptance and respect for their fellow Guyanese regardless of the many forms
of diversity which include sexual orientation and gender identity.
Only recently I met with representatives of SASOD when I
committed to addressing issues faced by the LGBT community.
The Government of Guyana has zero tolerance for discrimination
in any form. We do NOT practice discrimination and
as such we will not condone it.
Re-examination of laws which discriminate
against persons comprising the LGBT community has been garnering the attention
of the Government.
Government will continue to work to ensure that
LGBT persons are not marginalized or excluded because of their sexual
orientation or gender identity.
I leave you with a quote from the great Nelson
Mandela – “To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very
humanity.”
THANK YOU!
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