Haitian Culture and Citizens of Haiti - Article Example

In Haiti homosexuals are not persecuted by the law and such relations were legalized between adults in 1986, gays can’t feel much support in society. Same-sex marriages are not recognized, and though there are some guys, who do not conceal their orientation, the majority of such citizens are afraid to be revealed. They risk being attacked or losing their job. In July 2013 the lawyers, who support sex minorities declared that they are ready to make some steps toward same-sex marriages legalization. After that, more than one thousand of those who support religion and morality expressed their protest.

They said that they believed in God and that God did not recognize homosexuality and would punish them if they allowed legalizing same-sex marriages. During the demonstration, two people were attacked, because they were suspected of homosexuality. “Homosexuality is legal in Haiti, however, homosexuals often face persecution and discrimination similar to most of Latin America and the Caribbean. Although homosexuality is technically legal, there are no laws in Haiti protecting LGBT people from these types of mistreatment. There is no recognition of same-sex marriage, and the topic has not surfaced in the serious political discussion at the national level” (Haiti, Caribbean).

Gays state that they have to hide their feeling and be isolated from society. Their life is in danger. “Human rights campaigners in the Caribbean nation say they know of 47 assaults in just one week (17 to 24 July), though attacks have slowed in recent days following government intervention. Some have had their lives threatened or had their houses have been burned down or looted” (Haiti gangs beat 47 guys with machetes, sticks, and cement blocks). Thus, Ronald’s parents would judge him severely if they get to know about his orientation and diagnosis. They would ask him to leave their house. Haitians consider homosexuality to be the main reason for HIV, however, it is not proven scientifically. Haitian society is far from being democratic and this is the main problem. To build the right strategy to fight HIV, Haitians should, first of all, get rid of their prejudices, the main task is to stop discrimination. Patients with HIV should be examined thoroughly to find similarities in their way of life, genetics, and the propensity of the organism. Read More