The University of the West Indies is now coming under sustained fire from churches in Belize and Jamaica following their decision to terminate Jamaican Professor Brendon Bain. The University took the decision after the Gay Rights Organizations in the Caribbean complained that his deposition in UNIBAM's challenge to Belize's Sodomy Laws was "anti-gay" and a betrayal of trust.
The Jamaican Umbrella Group of Churches released a statement saying quote, "A decision such as this…has served to concretise the view that those with a homosexual agenda are prepared to discriminate against, stigmatise and silence those who do not share their world view." End Quote.
Closer to home, the local churches intend to hold a protest tomorrow afternoon to voice their displeasure at UWI. Pastor Scott Stirm, is leading the charge, and he told us this evening why it's important:
Pastor Scott Stirm, Belize Evangelical Association
"Tomorrow at noon there is going to be what we call a peaceful protest on freedom under attack and its because of this LGBT bullying that push Professor Bain out. A man who has a stellar career, merits and awards over his whole career serving the HIV/AIDS community for his whole professional career and because he testified in the court case in Belize they mobilize against him. So we feel - my goodness gracious - this guy puts his whole professional career on the line for us in Belize and we are going to come out tomorrow during lunch time at Battlefield Park to be able to say that we stand with Professor Bain and cry this is deplorable for this to happen."
Pastor Eugene Crawford, President - Belize Evangelical Association
"This is very strategic, this is very necessary because this gentleman came to Belize to testify on behalf of the churches in the UNIBAM case giving his professional advice which was very good - well received and we believe that he has come under pressure really because of that."
"Being dismissed because of that, we take it hard. Belize is a part of the Caribbean also, we are part of Caricom and if that begins to happen and it has happen already - is a very bad hit for us in Belize likewise."
Pastor Scott Stirm
"I believe we are going to have some pretty strong support. Its right in the middle of a work day but we schedule it for during lunch time and I want to encourage folks to skip their lunch and come join us, we will have signs and everything ready and so just come there, it's going to be peaceful, kind of a silent protest and we are expecting to see a good amount of people out there tomorrow."
The protest takes place at midday tomorrow at the Battlefield Park.
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