Activist for the local Lesbian, Gay Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community Erin Greene on Monday said Bahamas Faith Ministries International (BFMI) President Dr. Myles Munroe’s latest “attack” on homosexuals further provokes, incites and encourages violence against homosexuals.
After releasing a six-page document over the weekend blasting homosexuality and accusing those in the LGBT community of celebrating insanity, the outspoken pastor yesterday came under fire for his remarks as Ms. Greene fears that the death threats and stalking she has endured over the years will not intensify.
“I am very afraid,” she said. “But I am less afraid for myself and more afraid for other LGBT Bahamians who do not have as much privileges as I have. Fortunately I live in a house where I can control when the door opens and when it closes.
“There are many Bahamians who do not have this type of security in their lives. So I fear greatly for those Bahamians that may be attacked by other Bahamians who have been incited to act by irresponsible religious and political leaders.”
In his letter, Dr. Munroe said the fact that hundreds of Bahamians and foreigners were allowed to host and participate in a gay pride event in Grand Bahama over the weekend is nothing more than a “celebration of insanity” and accused homosexuals of contributing to the extinction of the human race.
Ms. Green, who also serves as director of advocacy for Society Against STIs and STDs (SASH) Bahamas said the way in which Dr. Munroe approaches the conversation and attempts to use Bahamians’ strong religious conviction to convince them to act in these ways is dangerous and boarders on violence.
“This is the most important part of the conversation and something that Mr. Munroe should be very careful of,” she added. “Although we don’t have anti-hate speech legislation in the country those who speak with the intention of or with the consequence of inciting violence against members of the LGBT community are committing a crime and should be held accountable.
“For people that use their social capital that make statements but then to act as if their statements hold no weight in the community, they should hold themselves accountable for every act of violence.”
Dr. Munroe questioned the LGBT’s mission or goals but noted that they obvious they have received enough incentive and motivation to attempt something that he said 90 per cent of The Bahamas and Bahamians consider unacceptable and violates their collective convictions, moral standing and values.
“He is creating an environment in which Bahamians think it is their Christian or moral duty to annihilate homosexuality and to wipe it off the face of the earth,” Ms. Greene added. “This is dangerous and dangerous to the point of treasonous because we are talking about inciting violence against visitors and citizens to a country.”
The LGBT activist said in recent times, she has received numerous complaints and reports from those in her community of being physically attacked for their lifestyles but said some police officers have refused to offer assistance.
Bahamas Pride Freedom weekend kicked off at the Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach in Freeport, Grand Bahama last Thursday and ends today.
