The level of violent crimes is completely unacceptable. At a minimum there needs to be a much better job of enforcement in high crime areas, at night, in tourist areas, etc. As well, there needs to be a better job of catching criminals vs. having unsolved crimes.

I don't think that a "police state" is the answer. However, with the level of violent crime that exists it IS quite evident that more police patrols are necessary. We don't need to violate anyone's civil rights to do this. We don't need to push for a police state. But, it is much harder to commit violent crimes when there is a police presence in the neighborhood.

Bashing their point of view? Well, if that view is obviously discriminatory, divisive and judgmental then it deserves to be bashed. Pushing and promoting discrimination, discriminatory policies or laws - or just promoting harmful division in society.... none of those are good OR worthy to accept on any level. So, if someone promotes those things it is a good thing for people to rebuke those views.

Laws against discrimination SHOULD include those with disabilities, those of a different race, people of different sexes, people of different sexual orientations, people of different faiths, etc. It is not beneficial to society or to individuals that these individuals would be treated as second class for these reasons. Keep in mind, people CHOOSE their faith. It isn't like your sex, race of disability. But, even though it is a CHOICE, it should be a choice that we protect and not discriminate against. (I say this because so many people want to justify discrimination against gays because they believe it is simply a "choice" and so on. Well, people choose their religion - that is for sure. It is repeatedly shown that they don't choose their sexuality, however. But, believe what you wish).

So, whether they are Haitian, Jamaican, Christian, gay or otherwise.... we should all be free from discrimination that is hurtful and harmful.

What are they pushing on you? If a group is being discriminated against, marginalized by society, treated as second class citizens, not given the same legal rights.... do you want them to just shut up and not say anything? I would think that everyone has a right to speak. Not to mention if they are the victims of discrimination. If you want them to be quiet about it then that is very, very sad. Besides, countless straight people are 100% supportive of full equality for gays and lesbians. It isn't just gays and lesbians who are speaking up when it comes to equality, discrimination, etc. Do you want them to keep quiet too?

By the way, many gays and lesbians CAN accept the religion of others. There is nothing wrong with people having different sets of beliefs. In fact, thousands of gays and lesbians ARE people of faith. Whether you like it or not, there are over 7,000 Christian churches that support gays and lesbians. What is WRONG is when your religious beliefs are used to restrict the legal rights of other people. In other words.... please keep your religious beliefs contained to YOUR life vs. pushing your beliefs onto others.

Yes, there is pushing going on. But, the pushing is from those who are anti-gay and want to discriminate against OTHER people, reducing their legal rights (not permitting same-sex marriage, etc). Gays aren't trying to reduce YOUR legal rights. They're not. But, many religious folks want to tell gays what legal rights they should have - or shouldn't have.

So, what about no-fault divorce? Should we outlaw ALL divorces unless infidelity occurs? Many religious folk get divorced because of other reasons besides adultery. Your perspective (if you are consistent with it) would essentially mean that these people are sinning AND that they should receive discriminatory treatment. Do they? Do we prohibit their legal rights? Do we marginalize them in society? Are they often victims of hate crimes, including assault and murder? (I'm not exaggerating here. These occur and have occurred recently in the liberal state of NY).

It would be nice if people were consistent in their judging others. But, most people aren't. It is really easy to point fingers at someone (or at a group) and then have different standards for ourselves or for other groups.

If this is really bothering you so much then you need to learn how to relax.

The reality of discrimination against gays and lesbians is very real, very personal - and very destructive. It often results in violence. We see this time and time again in the news. Even in liberal areas like NYC gays and lesbians continue to be attacked and murdered.

It is unfortunate that your obvious prejudice is causing you to miss some of the most important things in this discussion. It isn't simply about people having differing opinions. I don't tell you that you can't get married simply because you smoke cigaretts or like to drink beer. But, many like to tell gays and lesbians that THEY can't get married to the ones they love simply because they are gay or lesbians. THIS is prejudice. Calling it "homophobia" is certainly a more kind and soft way of describing it.

If you'd prefer to call it "bigotry" then that also works. Just don't be offended when people use it, however. Look up the definition. It most certainly fits how many people hold a very prejudiced and hyper judgmental view towards a particular group of people. THAT is bigotry.

The Bahamas (as a whole) has a very well known reputation for a strong prejudice against gays and lesbians. This is known by gay & straight tourists - and it is also talked about in travel forums. There is a real problem with violent crime AND anti-gay prejudice. Both of these are serious issues that need to be addressed, not ignored or excused.

It is inevitable that legal equality for gays and lesbians is coming. We see this in country after country - even religious countries. If you don't see it coming for The Bahamas.... you are living in your own fantasy world.

This isn't about my personal views - or your personal views. It is about legal equality and treating others decently and fairly in society. If we are to continually marginalize and discriminate against people then shame on us.

Being judgmental and casting stones is not a virtue or trait anyone should be proud of. It is destructive and hurtful and it impacts REAL people.

1. As a straight person you don't walk around IN FEAR that you may be attacked specifically because you are straight.
2. Where is the discrimination? Read the comments here. Talk to people. There is societal discrimination everywhere and this not only hurts gay and lesbian adults - but gay and lesbian teenagers.
3. We don't see straight people kissing and fondling in public? Yes we do. We also see it on many TV shows and in most movies.
4. You say that "no one cares as long as you keep it to yourself." Do you say the same insulting statement to straights people... simply for BEING straight? It isn't about public displays of affection. Most people who are prejudiced don't even want to KNOW if someone is gay. They want gays to be quiet. You prove this point.... and this is more social discrimination that is destructive to community and harmony. It fosters judgment, violence, bullying & much more.

If you were discriminated against like gays and lesbians frequently experience you wouldn't be minimizing it the way you are.