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Last Updated: Jul 1, 2017 - 2:02:11 AM |
(Statement) The Grand Bahama Human Rights Association is appalled that Senator Fred
Mitchell has failed to denounce and distance himself from the homophobic
slurs which appeared on a Facebook page that he has publicly endorsed.
The
page, ‘Fred Mitchell minute-by-minute’ is clearly named after Senator
Mitchell and last year, he encouraged PLP supporters to follow its
posts, saying the page “aligns with much of my thinking on political
issues”. Yet asked by The Tribune to comment on the vile exchange in
question, Mitchell refused.
While it is unfortunate that the
page’s moderator and a particular commentator chose to exchange insults
which degrade and insult members of the LGBTQ community, these
individuals enjoy Constitutionally protected freedom of expression which
allows them to do so.
Mitchell, however, is the leader of the
Opposition in the Senate and as such, should be held to a higher
standard. The GBHRA expects Mitchell and all Parliamentarians to stand
up for diversity, freedom of choice and individual rights, and condemn
in the strongest of terms, all forms of discrimination and hate speech.
We are particularly surprised in this case, as Mitchell has publicly defended LGBTQ rights in the past.
The
GBHRA calls on Senator Mitchell to break his silence and condemn the
Facebook page ‘Fred Mitchell minute-by-minute’ and distance himself from
the unfortunate comments in question.
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