The Bahamas was among three Caribbean countries that came under fire from angry activists after a gay American man was allegedly beaten in St Maarten.
Gay rights activists are now calling on Americans to re-evaluate their dealings with certain countries in this region as the homosexual issue drags on. A Miami Herald article reported that the alleged attack on journalist Ryan Smith, 25, has caused some activists to question whether gay and lesbian travellers should visit the Caribbean – including The Bahamas.
“It’s time for Americans to reassess their relationship with islands such as Jamaica, St Maarten and The Bahamas. Either they welcome all of us or none of us. But these ‘paradises’ can no longer be playgrounds for heterosexuals and hunting grounds for homosexuals,” national gay activist and Fort Lauderdale native Wayne Besen recently wrote on his website.
The article reported that a vacation to the smallest island in the world turned into a nightmare for Smith and his friends on April 6. Allegedly, Smith and his boyfriend, Justin Swensen, were in a local bar “just holding each other,” when a group of men started screaming anti-gay slurs at them. Smith and Swensen left the bar. A few minutes later the couple was reportedly attacked by the angry mob who “smashed Smith’s skull with a tire iron.” The near fatal beating was said to have left Smith with severe brain injuries and complications with speaking and writing. Two French St Martin residents; a man and a woman, were arrested in connection with the incident.
The Bahamas has been caught up in numerous anti-gay rows recently.
The Christian Council’s decision to ban the Academy Award-winning movie – Brokeback Mountain received attention from international media and sparked off protests by gay activists, libertarians, and other theatre owners. The liaison officer for the Plays and Films Control Board said, “The board chose to ban it because it shows extreme homosexuality, nudity and profanity, and we feel that it has no value for the Bahamian public.”
Four years ago, resort employees walked off the job in protest of the arrival of a shipload of gay travellers, who transformed the beach into what they described as “Sodom and Gomorrah.”
And in 2004, Christian groups picketed the arrival of the cruise ship, Norwegian Dawn, when it arrived with 1,600 gay passengers. Banners read, “If you’re gay, stay away,” and “Even animals have more sense than homosexuals.”
International organisations also blasted The Bahamas for stripping former Miss Teen Bahamas Gari McDonald of her crown after admitting being a lesbian.
The US State Department has openly criticised the Bahamas government for promoting homophobia. Their report, released in February said, “Although homosexual relations between consenting adults are legal, there was no legislation to address the human rights concerns of homosexuals, lesbians, bisexuals or trans-gendered persons.”
By IANTHIA SMITH, Nassau Guardian Staff Reporter
