Gay Today: World

Turks & Caicos Islands Resist
London's Gay Agenda

By Rex Wockner
International News Report

As Britain prepares to convert its dependent territories into overseas territories -- which will give the residents British passports and the right to live and work in the European Union -- at least one locale, the Caribbean's Turks and Caicos Islands, is up-in-arms over the stipulation that they must first decriminalize gay sex in order to adhere to European human-rights standards.

Gay sex is punishable with life in prison on the islands, which have a population of 15,000.

The most powerful opponent of decriminalization is Baptist Union President Pastor Derek Hamilton, who calls gay sex "wrong" in the eyes of God.

The islands' governor, John Kelly, agrees with that sentiment but still supports legalization.

"The church feels homosexuality is an abomination, and I agree with them," Kelly said. "We are not suggesting they change their ideas or attitudes.

"What we want them to say is that homosexuality is an abomination, but is not criminal any longer, just as in the Bible adultery is sinful but is not criminal in most jurisdictions."

If the islands refuse to change their laws, Britain can and will impose the change, officials of Prime Minister Tony Blair's government have said.

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Turks & Caicos Islands

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