As I alluded to in this post earlier in the week, the rhetoric surrounding the issue of homosexuality in Jamaica is heightened as of late. In equal parts, this can be blamed on many factors, including the media and the pending case of the repeal of the buggery law, which makes some sex acts illegal.

Needless to say, the atmosphere is tense and conspiracy theories on both sides are floating about. Today’s Jamaica Observer editorial is a strange reflection of the current situation. On the one hand, it seems to step towards urging tolerance and suggests a referendum on the repeal of the buggery law (which Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller promised prior to the last election.) On the other hand, the editorial could have been written decades ago, so full of fear-mongering and ignorance it is.

Take a read as it seems to be an accurate reflection of the attitudes of many Jamaicans. Let’s just hope that the conversation continues in a more positive and tolerant fashion. Let’s also hope that people forgo conversation for action on the epidemic of child abuse in Jamaica.