Homosexuality is not a crime

I WRITE in response to Bapa Bomoteng’s views against the legalization of homosexuality that was published in this paper on August 12th. I find the article lacking substance and a direct attack on Dame Carol Kidu.
Firstly, homosexuality is not a crime nor illegal and what Dame Kidu tried to do was shed light on the issue that these persons do exist in our societies therefore the Government must address the issue so their rights are not suppressed.
I believe most homosexuals in PNG are born this way and are not publicity stunts performed by famous actors and singers do just to up their ratings.
It is similar to a child born being blind or with only an arm, the stigma so called ‘normal’ people have towards them actually limits their contribution and participating in society building, indirectly depriving their rights as human beings.
You cannot simply accuse a person of doing wrong just because he or she is different or has different beliefs.
The writer went on to rubbish Dame Carol’s efforts in her bid to legalize prostitution.
Although illegal in many parts of the world prostitution is one of the oldest professions there is, where one does not need an education nor a pretty face to qualify.
The fact that it is illegal doesn’t even stop or restrict girls and women to venture into it.
Since the government cannot stop this and with the prevalence of HIV/AIDS the idea of legalizing and regulation of the business might be the answer or then again might not be.
The Christianity and morality tag has been used far too long just to sweep these issues under the rug. Papua New Guinea has to realize that society is changing rapidly and we also have to keep up with the social problems it brings, addressing them and not deviating from our Melanesian roots remains our biggest task.
Finally, I commend Dame Carol in constantly reminding the parliament of the social issues affecting our people and her previous role as a woman leader in her parliament.

Mere Olo
Gerehu

I think the reason why so much controversy about Belden Namah's homosexuality is that:

1-He aggressively imposed his sexual desires and preference against a probable heterosexual male in the Star Casino (Sydney).

2-He tries to keep his homosexuality secret which goes totally against the so called openness he promotes in public.

however, as noted in another thread, there are other known homosexuals in parliament right now, and prominent past MPs have been homosexual. PNG has yet to face this reality and deal with it.