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"GOD created Adam and Eve and NOT Adam and Steve'; Bainimarama's outburst 'GO to ICELAND if one wants to marry the same sex' will stir homophobic ill-will but worst MIDA chairman Ashwin Raj cautions media!

13/1/2016

27 Comments

 

Fijileaks: Since the Government is quick to hold public consultations on many issues, maybe the Election Office should be charged with conducting an election among the LGBT community to ascertain if they want same sex marriage in Fiji! If so, like Khaiyum's 2013 Constitution, they should be given the Marriage Certificate!

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Raj has spoken out about Bainimarama's comments on gay marriage but said opposite of what was expected of someone tipped to be the next Fiji Human Rights Commissioner and speaker on LGBT rights at a UNESCO summit!

PictureREAR ADMIRAL Bainimarama and Ashwin Raj
SUVA (Radio NZ international/Pacific Media Watch): Fiji's Media Industry Development Authority says media organisations should not publish or broadcast material in a form likely to promote discord, but are free to report matters of national interest.

The authority's chairperson, Ashwin Raj, made the comment after report in the Fiji Sun last week which quoted the prime minister as saying if a women wants to marry another woman, they should do so in Iceland and stay there.

Raj said media organisations had to be sensitive to and particularly careful about the possible effects of discriminatory references to vulnerable minorities in prejudicial or pejorative contexts.
He went on to say that Fiji needed to have a deep and meaningful discussion on the issue that goes beyond what he calls the "cul de sac of marriage".

Fiji's gay community has called on the prime minister Voreqe Bainimarama to apologise for what it says are derogatory and homophobic statements.

A human rights advocate, Shamima Ali, has described the prime minister's comments as disheartening.

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Fijileaks to Fiji LGTB: 'It's time to tell this Raj chap and regime lackey to take a running jump in Icelandic snow so he can "sober up"; Media must take lead in speaking up but don't expect them now Raj has spoken up!
VICTOR LAL spoke up for the LGBT community in 2005, Fiji's Daily Post: 

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“The institution of the family (heteronormative or otherwise) is inextricably woven into discourses of nation and belonging and such discourses are highly contentious which most nations, including advanced liberal democracies, have struggled and continue to struggle with. Fiji is no exception." - Ashwin Raj. Oh, er, er "heteronormative"???

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Khaiyum to Raj: "What is heteronormative, in simple English?" Fijileaks: "Denoting or relating to a world view that promotes heterosexuality as the normal or preferred sexual orientation."


DO NOT PROMOTE DISCORD: “The media must take full cognisance of Section 6 (c) of Media Industry Development Decree which states that “media organisations shall be sensitive to and particularly careful about the possible effects of discriminatory references to vulnerable minorities in prejudicial or pejorative contexts. This particular provision in the Media Decree is in consonance with the Bill of Rights under the prohibited grounds of discrimination of our Constitution. We must be mindful of this at all times regardless of our moral position on the subject, our political proclivities or ideological disposition. Clearly, there is a tension between democracy (crudely defined as the will of the majority) and minority rights and we need to have a deep and meaningful discussion on the issue that goes beyond the cul de sac of marriage. The institution of the family (heteronormative or otherwise) is inextricably woven into discourses of nation and belonging and such discourses are highly contentious which most nations, including advanced liberal democracies, have struggled and continue to struggle with. Fiji is no exception. How we as a nation debate such matters while upholding the values set out in our Constitution will be a strong measure of the kind of democracy we are. Let us strive to be an enlightened democracy and the media must play a constructive role in promoting reason as we balance freedom of expression, report on matters of national interest and protect and promote the rights of minorities." - 
Ashwin Raj to Fiji Sun, 12 January 2016”

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UP YOURS! This message also applies to MIDA chairman Raj - Fiji's own media terrorist
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http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3397437/Cabinet-minister-David-Mundell-announces-gay-admitting-going-public-way-truly-happy.html
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PictureSingh
Fiji PM said to have breached law over anti-gay marriage

Last week Frank Bainimarama said there would be no same sex marriage in Fiji and any woman wanting to marry another woman should have it done in Iceland and stay there.

Aman Ravindra-Singh says the disrespectful and discriminatory comments have provoked a backlash against Fiji's LGBTI community.

He says Mr Bainimarama has breached section 26 of the constitution and could also be charged under the criminal code.

"Under section 65 there is a particular offence called inciting communal antagonism. This issue has now flared within our community and in our society as a whole. The prime minister has breached section 65 in that his action has incited communal antagonism and he should be investigated and charged."

Mr Ravindra-Singh who has done work for members of the LGBTI community in the past says some members say they have felt some backlash after the Prime Minister's comments.

"One thing I can say with certainty is these comments have inflamed members of our society against the gay, LGBTI community and comments by the prime minister have directly incited communal antagonism."

Mr Ravindra-Singh says at least one person in the community is interested in laying a police complaint against Mr Bainimarama over his rermarks.

He says if the matter does go to the police, members of the LGBTI community will face further discrimination.
He says they they have been suffering this for decades, including physical violence.

The lawyer says the issue of gay marriage needs to be sorted out in the parliament.

Mr Bainimarama earlier told the Fiji Sun the Constitution did not refer to equality as the opportunity for same sex marriage.


27 Comments
Rajend Naidu
13/1/2016 10:21:04 pm

Editor,
I prefer to be guided on this by someone of President Obama's intellect and character. We read in David Nakamura's article Obama on same- sex marriage ruling : ' We have made our union a little more perfect' in The Washington Post 26/06/15 that President Obama hailed the Supreme Court's ruling to protect the rights of same- sex couples to marry, declaring that the decision had " made our union a little more perfect".
Obama cast the ruling as a historic moment in American history, that capped decades of progress for the gay and lesbian community, sometimes driven by anonymous heroes who endured taunts and bullying.
Before making his remarks Obama phoned the lead plaintiff in the case Jim Obergefell, to congratulate him on the decision and thank him for his effort. " I'm proud of you and your husband" Obama told him. The call was captured live on CNN which had been interviewing Obergefell.
Obama also sent a message on his personal Twitter account, using the hashtag love wins
President Obama
@ POTUS
Today is a big step in our march towards equality. Gay and lesbian couples can now have the right to marry just like anyone else.
Obama represents enlightened, progressive thinking on this issue.
And, I would rather identify with the thinking of someone of his stature than with someone who has come to power via the barrel of the gun and his pseudo intellectual apparatchiks.
Sincerely,
Rajend Naidu

Reply
Vili
13/1/2016 11:28:02 pm

It maybe OK for Vinod to marry Rajen or for Savenaca to marry Ropate in the US but Fiji has different values.

We are not quite where the US is currently situated in terms of political and social development.

Some of the main religious and political organisations in Fiji are against the idea of same sex marriage. They are representative of their members who are against the idea. That's the reality.

By the way, last time I checked Frank won the elections in September 2014. International observers at that event gave it the thumbs up. Please cut the hyperbole.

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Chiku
13/1/2016 11:43:18 pm

The last time I checked Hosni Mubarak too had won elections in Egypt. In fact he had been routinely winning elections with up to 93 percent of the votes and International observers, the Americans in particular, had been ritually giving these election " events " the thumps up - because it suited their own agenda. NOT because the elections were free and fair. That was the reality. Get my drift?

Dekho
13/1/2016 11:51:56 pm

If Vili and Silly want to get married what has that got to do with anybody else, especially any religious or political organisations . Haven't the religious and political organisations in Fiji have more important issues to focus on for the good of the country and all its people - regardless of citizens religious or political persuasions?

Vili
14/1/2016 12:54:53 am


So there we have it: America is to be blamed for all our ills!

Curiously, I kind of agree with you part of the way

Petr Velikiy
14/1/2016 02:59:51 am

What's the big fuss about nothing?? Mr Parai Minista should concentrate on seeing that the crooked businessmen of Fiji HAVE ACTUALLY REDUCED V.A.T. first ,before we talk about the BIG WORLD issues.
As we blog, no VAT has been reduced, but many Chevrolet Trailblazers are breaking the law driving at higher than 80km/hr and have flashing Diwali lights in their windscreens for no apparent reason.
What a backward state Fiji has become. We should all be called the same thing the AG called us instead of Fijians: hooooooo hoooooooo.

Bobby Daring
14/1/2016 06:27:57 am

Hello..Hello Frank...Mago Saddi Banao ? Bahoot baath nikle sala Frank ke aur cassava patch meh khali joolab... Hello ...Hello Frank.

Sala Line caat dis..!

Methodist Churchgoer
13/1/2016 11:41:16 pm

Just look at the churchmen, especially the Methodist ones.

For years they lay down and accepted all the insults from Bainimarama and the thugs.

And as soon as opportunity has arisen, they are shouting as if they speak for us!

Go to hell, you coward lamu sonas!

Back into your closet - you bogus religious leaders!

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Chiku
13/1/2016 11:58:10 pm

Methodist Churchgoer you damn right! And let us not forget all those bogus religious falas who have been hauled to court for deviant sexual behaviour . The bloody hypocrites!

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Socho
14/1/2016 12:08:26 am

MIDA man and Bainimarama lackey Ashwin Raj's vacuous comment refers. Fiji can never " strive to be an enlightened democracy " with people with authoritarian tendencies like Mr Raj, Mr Khaiyum, and Rear Admirable Frank Bainimarama at the helm. These are reactionary people pretending to be progressive democrats.

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And
14/1/2016 02:22:52 am

Raj Babuwah there is no need for any phoney " debate" about upholding the values set out in the fraudulently imposed constitution . We know what kind of democracy the dictator and his chamchas - like you - have foisted on the people of Fiji. It's a fake democracy - where the people have no real voice. Debate in such a context is bullshit!

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Samjha
14/1/2016 05:24:06 am

This case demonstrates as did the one when Ashwin Raj went to Geneva with other regime lackeys to paint a false picture of the human rights situation in the Bainimarama Dictatorship to the UN human rights review THAT Ashwin Raj is an unfit person to be Fiji Human Rights Commissioner. Human rights will not be defended by a regime lackey like him. The only thing he knows how to defend is his political masters Bainimarama and Khaiyum.

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Ratu Sai
14/1/2016 05:32:35 am

This may be a matter of principle or faith in as far as individual choice goes but at the end of the day it is basically a legal issue. It is a matter of human rights...which can only be decided by a competent court of law in accordance with individual rights guaranteed in the Constitution. What Bainimarama or anyone else says is irrelevant

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Vili
14/1/2016 08:27:41 am

Lets not forget that it is politicians who legislate.

We have seen in Australia where the Courts have ruled against the Government on a matter of law, the Government simply changes the law through an act of parliament.

Given this, I would have thought that whatever Bainimarama says, as the leader of the Government his pronoucements are very relevant.

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Ratu Sai
15/1/2016 12:16:44 pm

The stupidity of what he said is the point...he should learn to speak on behalf of the people he represent rather than ramble on with half cocked personal opinion.

Guy Rights
14/1/2016 07:31:08 am

We want same sex marriage and we want it now. Bainimarama is not above the Constitution. Sent him to Icelund.

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And
14/1/2016 08:14:48 am

What CJ Gates have to say in this matter ; Is Frankie acting above the supreme law of the land...?

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Metui Wise
16/7/2016 10:21:47 am

Jesus loves....... peace bro!

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Gnomic
14/1/2016 07:44:51 am

Heteronormative - in FijiEnglish means 'positive - negative spark.

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Kutta
14/1/2016 08:16:09 am

This latest statement proves Ashwin Raj is Fiji's biggest fraud. This self-appointed champion of gay rights has not guts to tell off the PM for his homophobic comments as he would lose his job, so he is beating up the media instead.

The government lapdog warns the media not to promote discord. Media has done nothing as such. He should be telling the PM, not the media, to take full cognisance of Section 6 (c). The PM is making discriminatory references about vulnerable minorities in a prejudicial and pejorative context, not the media.

To think UNESCO invited this gutless clown to be a speaker at the 2015 Regional Dialogue on LGBTI Human Rights.

It was nothing but a junket. He collected a hefty per deum and talked big at the dialogue, but when it came to the crunch, he betrayed the Fiji LGBT community.
UNESCO should ban him from further conferences. The Fiji LGBT community should lobby for the ban. They should prevent Ashwin Raj from using the LGBT community to further his interests.

He brings in all the other unrelated crap - tension between democracy and minority rights; deep and meaningful discussion; etc, - a failed, wannabe academic trying too desperately to sound academic.

Fiji LGBT community should move quickly to expose this fraudulent character trying to benefit personally in their name.

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Tomasi
14/1/2016 06:32:05 pm

Sorry folks. This is a matter of morality, right and wrong. According to the word of God (the Bible), homosexuality is WRONG and is an abomination unto the LORD. It is absolutely and very clearly defined as a sinful and despicable act which must bot be tolerated.

Government's may adjudicate on legal matters. But when it comes to morality and what is acceptable behaviour for society and the human race, we need divine authority and wisdom. To ignore this is to invite all kinds of problems and moral consequences that will lead to moral decadence and destruction. History testifies to this. The Bible speaks authoritatively on this matter.

So fundamentally, the issue here is this:

Do we still fear God and submit to His authority and sovereignty and seek his blessing and His favour? Or do we reject Him as the Supreme Ruler of the universe?

If you say yes to the second question, then please be warned that you must expect God's wrath and the consequences of your choice. Remember the story of Sodom and Gomorrah? That is not a myth but a historical fact.

To Rajend, while I appreciate your contributions to this blog, I am afraid I must tell you that Obama is one of the people I will never ever trust. If he cannot produce a valid birth certificate and goes to great lengths to stop the US courts from investigations about his true identity, why on earth would he be trusted on such a vital moral issue? BTW, Obama is also a homosexual and is a fraud. The coming days and months will reveal more about who he really is and what he really stands for, much to the disappointment of many US citizens and more from across the world.

Let's call spade a spade and poison what it really is. Homosexuality is wrong, absolutely despicable and condemned as sinful by God Himself. He who dares challenge that does so at great risk of inviting God's wrath and utter ruin. Human rights must have its boundaries. This is one where it has been clearly defined. It is not homosexuals we must condemn, but the despicable and sinful act of homosexuality of any kind.

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Vili
14/1/2016 10:18:53 pm

Well said Tomasi. Hear... Hear...! (APPLAUSE)

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Ratu Sai
15/1/2016 04:07:56 am

Unfortunately for the likes of Tomasi not everyone on this planet is a Christian. Even then, faith is personal and should not be imposed on others. For that matter the Constitution is not a religious document, it is a legal document that protects the rights of individual citizens to live without fear of racial, religious or sexual discrimination. I am a Christian but I believe individuals (including gays/lesbians) are free to choose their life style for we will all (bar none) reap the consequences of our actions.

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Chiku
15/1/2016 05:48:30 am

Vili is a soldier man who did a stint in the Middle East with the crappy firearms the RFMF had then. No wonder he is so swiftly convinced Coupist Bainimarama's election win was squeaky clean when many Fijians know it was any thing but.

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vili
16/1/2016 01:54:29 am

Oilei..bro...I need to be convinced by hard evidence, not the pronouncements of the town crier or those of professional mourners etc

Am not a soldier. Did my time several years ago and have since moved on.

Cheers bo

Reply
And
19/1/2016 04:40:14 am

The coupist Frank Bainimarama gave himself a back pay of $ 180,000 as one of the first things he did after unlawfully talking over the government of Fiji. That is hard evidence of corruption. But I take it the likes of Vili are not interested in that. For Vili the Emperor is wearing a Golden garment never mind the evidence...

Salote Roko
18/1/2016 10:21:37 pm

Good PM

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