Gays boycott Jamaica

Gay groups in the United States have boycotted Jamaican beer and rum in support of gay people on the island who they say are being oppressed.

The boycott may impact the island’s tourism industry, as one architect of the movement against Jamaica said the plan is to turn the island into a pariah state.

“Our goal is to turn Jamaica into a pariah state, as long as GLBT people live in a state of terror. This means no more subsidising the anti-gay slaughter by drinking Myers Rum and Red Stripe Beer. It requires skipping that Carnival Cruise to Jamaica -- so your money won't support murder,” wrote Wayne Besson, in the Falls Church News Press

Besson, together with Michael Petrelis and Jim Burroway launched an international boycott against Jamaica.

The group has a website Boycott Jamaica on which it outlines reasons for boycotting the island and its products.

Now, it’s no secret that Jamaica is a very homophobic country. Several articles have been written on the way gays are persecuted, even murdered for their sexuality. There have been songs from dancehall stars celebrating that treatment, even urging it, as well as utterings from politicians against gays.

While Jamaicans are openly hostile to gays, Jamaica is by no means the only Caribbean island that can be considered homophobic. The majority of English-speaking islands have laws against homosexuality or simply don’t approve of the lifestyle. The degree of acceptance varies from island to island.

I’ve blogged on this issue before as it pertains to tourism. My question is, in this time of economic uncertainty, where islands heavily dependant on tourism are suffering, are anti-gay sentiments going to help? Would such a boycott against Jamaica hurt the island in the long run? And are Jamaicans and other Caribbean nationals prepared to sacrifice their morals for much-needed foreign exchange? Debate!