P.U.P. Leader takes position on ‘homosexuality’ issue

Brendan Bain

The Bain discussion continues to rage, with almost frenzied submissions from both sides of the argument. Today, P.U.P. Leader Francis Fonseca told News Five that the ‘homosexuality’ issue, for lack of a better term, has different layers and must always be approached rationally, respectfully and with observance of the rule of law. He cautioned that particularly where the Bain matter is concerned, those fighting discrimination should be careful not to practice it.

Francis Fonseca, P.U.P. Leader

Francis Fonseca

“I think we have to ensure that we are very clear in terms of how we move forward. We have laws and we have to respect those laws. The People’s United Party has been on record as it relates to some of these issues. We, I think many months ago, made it clear that at this time we are not in support of an amendment to the law. At the same time we recognize that all the people in our country, everybody, has the right to be treated fairly, treated respectfully…has a right to due process of the law, and we have to condemn any appearance of discrimination against people, any appearance of violation of human rights…that has to be condemned in the strongest possible terms. In the case of Professor Bain, I don’t have all the details of it, but certainly I think that even those who are in support of his firing have to be very careful…have to be very careful that we are not in fact demonstrating a lack of tolerance ourselves or advocating discrimination. I think it is a freedom of speech issue as well that has to be taken into consideration. So there are many complex layers to this issue. It is not an easy issue. I think we have to have more education. There has to be a wider national dialogue. It always has to be done in a spirit of good faith, a spirit of respect and that is where we are.”

Fonseca points out that the P.U.P. has two senators – Lisa Shoman and Patrick Andrews – on distinctly opposite sides of the issue, but says that has enhanced the internal discussion rather than created conflict.