- The following statement was released today by One Bermuda Alliance Senator Dwayne Robinson
Remarks in the House of Assembly by Michael Weeks about the forthcoming Pride Parade were “extremely careless”, according to One Bermuda Alliance Senator Dwayne Robinson.
“In my opinion, his remarks reinforce the narrative that the LGBTQ+ community requires the approval or acceptance of the heterosexual majority.
“Although he may have spoken with the best of intentions, his remarks during the Motion to Adjourn were extremely careless.
“I believe that most of the LGBTQ+ would love acceptance, but to me they do not necessarily need it.
“What they do need is equal access to marriage equality and the ability to express themselves openly in their community in which they live and work.
“For the LGBTQ+ community, this parade will be a signal that they can be themselves in their home.
“Saying that the same sex marriage issue should be resolved before any Pride Parade, misses the point. This is not about SSM, it is about the LGBTQ+ celebrating who they are in their own community.
“And if he wanted to, he could persuade his Government to stop wasting potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars and drop the appeal to the Privy Council thus resolving the SSM issue.
“Mr Weeks correctly says that “we represent those whom we serve; those who elected us to have a voice for them – our constituents and Mr & Mrs Bermuda.
“Some to the Mr and Mrs Bermudas will be homosexual and I would not be surprised if some of his constituents are from the LGBTQ+ community, so, according to what he says, he should represent them as well.
“But it is also the duty of the Government to protect minorities, their wellbeing and rights.”
