Thirty protesters picketed the Jamaican High Commission in London on Wednesday, 28 August, in protest against the mob murder of teenage cross-dresser Dwayne Jones and a 41-year-old gay man, Dean Moriah.
Mariah was a popular entertainment coordinator in Jamaica’s north coast tourism industry. He was fatally stabbed, and his house was set ablaze on Tuesday, 28 August.
The group demanded justice for both men and urged tougher Jamaican government action against homophobic and transphobic hate crimes.
The protest was organised by Out and Proud African lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender activists and Justice for Dwayne Jones, with the support of the Peter Tatchell Foundation.
The Out And Proud Diamond Group, a group of African lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender activists, held the protest demanding the killers of Jones be brought to justice.
Speaking to Gay Star News, Marvin Jiboka, one of the members of Out And Proud Diamond Group told us: ‘We are here to demand justice for our colleague, who lost his life because of who he is. We want the liberation of everyone, not only Dwayne, but every person who is a member of the LGBT community. We, the members of the Out And Proud Diamond Group, demand justice.
‘People should respect everyone’s liberty. If you are this, that’s how you are… People should leave us alone. All we want is our rights.’
Edwin Sesange, co-founder and director of Out and Proud African LGBTI said “We demand justice for Dwayne and Dean. Jamaican authorities need to send an unequivocal message that there will be zero tolerance of violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. Additionally, the police should prosecute the killers and witnesses should be offered anonymity and police protection.”
“Like Senator Golding, Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller and other government officials and religious leaders must publicly condemn the killings. We call on them to end the criminalization of homosexuality and to protect the human rights of all Jamaicans.
“We urge the Commonwealth to condemn homophobia in Jamaica and ask the Jamaican government to take action to prevent the persecution LGBT people,” Sesange said.
Peter Tatchell said: “The Jamaican Prime Minister, Justice Minister, Education Minister and police chief must work together to educate the public about LGBT issues, promote tolerance, prosecute homophobic hate crime and ensure that LGBT Jamaicans are able to live in peace, without fear.”
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