By Alex Rosaria
In Curaçao, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) persons face increased discrimination, especially since Christian churches have escalated their opposition to equal rights for this group. Of all people, you would think that we should know that discrimination, prejudice and bigotry is a deadly poison. Our fight against injustice goes way back to the dark days of slavery, racism and sexism. Yet, the tables have turned. Many who used to be (descendants of) victims of discrimination are now doing the discrimination. I doubt that this was the intention of the likes of Dr. Da Costa Gomez, Tula and ‘Damanan di Djarason’.
Last’s week’s Court’s decision that determined Curaçao is violating the Constitution by excluding same-sex couples from marriage gives hope. Fortunately, the Courts have shown to care about the Constitution which cannot be said for the Staten and Fòrti.
Marriage should not be a heterosexual privilege for if we are created equal, then the love we commit to another human being must be equal as well. We must realize, however, that there will not be a magic day when we wake up to a country without discrimination and prejudice, but it’s a starting point. I stand with you, LGBTQ. I will continue to denounce ignorance and the hate from the pulpits every Sunday.
Alex David Rosaria (53) is a freelance consultant active in Asia & Pacific. He is a former Member of Parliament, Minister of Economic Affairs, State Secretary of Finance and UN Implementation Officer in Africa and Central America. He’s from Curaçao and has an MBA from University of Iowa. (USA).
