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New reports of violence against Gays in Jamaica surface

New reports of violence against Gays in Jamaica surface
NEW YORK -- Amnesty International strongly condemns recent episodes of mob violence in Jamaica that were reportedly aimed at individuals who are perceived to be Gay. "The attacks seem to be increasing in frequency," said Ariel Herrera, director of the OUTFront program at Amnesty International USA. "The latest incidents of homophobic violence only strengthen our viewpoint that the Jamaican government must take a proactive stance against homophobia." Amnesty International has repeatedly called on the Jamaican government to institute legal protections to outlaw discrimination against Gays and Lesbians. On April 8, a crowd allegedly surrounded a church in Mandeville and hurled objects through a window during a funeral. The crowd apparently believed that those attending the funeral were Gay. On April 2, another crowd reportedly threw stones and bottles at a group of costumed men who were dancing in the carnival procession along Montego Bay. According to eyewitnesses, the men, who were said to be dancing in a sexually suggestive manner, were attacked, chased and beaten by a mob of 30 to 40 people. At least one person was hospitalized due to injuries. These two incidents occurred only two months after a group of men were targeted in a similar manner in Kingston by a mob of 200 people. Amnesty International calls on the Jamaican authorities to ensure that a full investigation is conducted and that those responsible for the attacks are prosecuted. "The Jamaican authorities must ensure that these human rights violations will not be tolerated," said Herrera. "I encourage the authorities to work with Jamaican human rights and Gay groups on this concern." An Amnesty International press release