Note on Dead UK Consul:
'This ... Will Happen to ALL Gays'
'This ... Will Happen to ALL Gays'
As more details emerge in the case of John Terry, the murdered UK honorary consul whose bloodied and battered body was found yesterday in Jamaica, I wonder how the vicious and obnoxious anti-gay forces across the island nation will attempt to blame the victim.
We've seen over the years, horrific murders committed against LGBT people in Jamaica, and light sentences handed out to convicted killers, if anyone is ever brought to justice. And too often, lawyers and politicians have blamed gays for allegedly bringing on the attacks and murders.
If any good can come of Terry's death, I hope somehow it lessens the tremendous and deadly homophobia pervasive in Jamaica.
From the Sun tabloid in London:
A note was beside the body. Police sources revealed yesterday it read: "This is what will happen to ALL gays." It was signed "Gay-Man".
It also described Mr Terry as a "batty-man" - insulting Jamaican slang for homosexual.
A police source said: "It is unclear yet what the relationship was between Mr Terry and his killer. But it appears the murder occurred after the pair returned to the home together.
"It also seems from the note that something happened between them. It may be that the man took exception to Mr Terry or his actions."
Deputy Superintendent Michael Garrick said: "His head and upper body were repeatedly hit." [...]
Oh boy, Michael, I hadn't even heard of this incident before now! Anger, sadness, and I don't know what else, flooded my entire body while reading this. It makes me even more determined to leave this country, where so little respect exists for human life. Undoubtedly, things are not great in any country, but at least some countries actually have legal measures in place to protect citizens, and people may perhaps be more inclined to tolerance. Thanks for sharing this. My heart goes out to the family and all those who knew him.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if the British will do anything about it? A murdered diplomat seems like a pretty big deal.
ReplyDeleteWell said, Arme!
ReplyDeleteThis incident is also a sign that we need hate crimes legislation as well.
Another problem is "tolerance." I've known "tolerance" for over 60 years. It doesn't cut it. What's needed is ACCEPTANCE. "Tolerance" covers up crime and discrimination while acceptance is more inclusive of other human beings.
As a Jamaican living in the US, I am deeply saddened and embarrassed by my people's continued behavior in this regard. Truly deplorable and senseless.
ReplyDelete