(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many adults in Jamaica believe the country’s gays and lesbians are different from the rest of the population, according to a poll by Bill Johnson published in The Gleaner. 70 per cent of respondents think homosexuals are not entitled to the same basic rights and privileges as other people in Jamaica.

In September 2007, Jamaican voters renewed the 60-member House of Representatives. Final results gave the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP)—led by Bruce Golding—50.14 per cent of the vote and 33 seats, and the People’s National Party (PNP) 49.79 per cent and 27 seats. Golding was sworn in as Jamaica’s new prime minister, substituting Portia Simpson Miller. The PNP had been in office since 1989.

Earlier this year, Golding discussed his views on homosexuality during an interview with the BBC, saying that there is "greater acceptance now that people have different lifestyles", but also stating that he would not allow gays and lesbians to join his cabinet.

On Jun. 17, Golding reiterated his views on homosexuality, saying, "I make no apology, absolutely no apology when I say that anything that I regard as contradictory, as inimical, to the foundation of [the] family unit, is not something that will ever sit comfortably."

Polling Data

Whether or not you agree with their lifestyle, do you think homosexuals are entitled to the same basic rights and privileges as other people in Jamaica?

Source: Bill Johnson / The Gleaner
Methodology: Interviews with 1,008 Jamaican adults, conducted on May 31 and Jun. 1, 2008. Margin of error is 3.2 per cent.

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