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<li><p style="color:gray">Are there not some matters that transcend partisan politics?</p></li>
</ul>

Even if there are matters that transcend partisan politics, out of stubbornness and a reluctance for compromise, we ultimately devolve into partisan politics. This makes a lot of sense when you consider Bahamian history. We as Bahamians are conditioned to view issues through an “us vs them” mentality. This forms a larger part of the Bahamian identity and we identify our position and ideology through political party rather than through nationalistic issues. Every election proves this over and over again. The media also reflects this truth.

Politicians know that one of the simplest ways to unify a group is to utilize the psychological effect of “us vs them”. If there is a common enemy, then all differences within their unified group cease and everyone works toward a common goal. This does not bode well for the long term development of a country, and it takes a different type of politician who possesses nuance and skill to unite a country through nationalistic issues. This distinction is also the reason why countries such as Singapore are so successful.

<ul style="list-style-type:none">
<li><p style="color:gray">Does anyone really disagree that we are all equal under the law?</p></li>
</ul>

If you were to go through town and ask everyone you meet this exact question you would soon realize that the perceived sense of equality varies from person to person, but this is not the biggest problem. The real crux of the matter is how a person perceives the law. For example, when some hear “equal under the law” what they really see is “some people are more equal than others”.

Laws are passed but not all laws are truly capable of full enforcement. Democracy looks nice on paper but ultimately depends on the responsibility of leaders and the society. Equality looks nice on paper but again depends on societal responsibilities and mutual respect.

In the end, and as bizarre as this sounds, you’ll find that a significant amount of people do not want equal rights because they know how the government and/or society functions. They are free to exploit the current system the way they want to, it's as simple as that.

<ul style="list-style-type:none">
<li><p style="color:gray">Then why in God’s name do we need a referendum to give all our citizens the same rights?</p></li>
</ul>

Because constitution.