Trinidad: Gov't to decide on same sex marriage

CMC- The Trinidad and Tobago government will “sooner or later” outline its position regarding same sex marriage in the country.



Foreign Affairs and Communications Minister, Suruj Rambachan, told reporters at the end of the weekly Cabinet meeting, that the matter is being discussed by the Government at the moment and that sooner or later a policy decision will be provided on the matter.



Same sex marriage is illegal in Trinidad and Tobago, but the issue gained momentum this week, after United States President Barack Obama gave his support to the measure in his country.



The Coalition Advocating for Inclusion of Sexual Orientation (CAISO) said it welcomed Obama's statement that the gay and lesbian community should be allowed to marry like everyone else.



CAISO’s executive director, Colin Robinson, told reporters that he applaud President Obama for what he said because he framed it in a context of equality.



Additionally, he said even though marriage is not on CAISO's advocacy agenda, it appears that the leaders in our hemisphere and especially Jamaican Prime Minister, Portia Simpson-Miller are taking locally appropriate leadership steps on equality and citizenship and for gay and lesbian people.



Robinsaon said that he hoped Obama would not pay a political price for his stance, adding that Obama's statement made political sense.



He said they are hoping Prime Minister, Kamla Persad-Bissessar takes locally appropriate steps as well.



The group will stage a “parade” in the capital on Friday calling on the authorities to outlaw HIV and sexual discrimination.



Robinson said the goal of the walk is to raise awareness about and to urge decision-makers to ensure everyone is treated equally and given the same human rights protections as other citizens.