On Tuesday, 31 January 2006, a gay and lesbian cruise is scheduled to call on Grand Cayman.
In response to the scheduled visit, the Government has reconfirmed the policy of non-discrimination first established by the Cayman Islands Government in 2001 and regards it as consistent with this jurisdiction’s recognition of human rights.
The Government confirms its support of a Bill of Rights being enshrined in our country’s proposed new constitution and notes that the formal adoption of such a Bill will make it unlawful to discriminate on the grounds of, inter alia, race, age, religion or sexual orientation.
The Government recognizes that it has a responsibility to not only respect our people and their wishes but that it also has an equally important responsibility to make and explain difficult and perhaps unpopular decisions. The Government will not shirk its duty in this regard.
Finally, it is important to note that every day, persons of all sexual orientation visit these Islands and live and work among us without incident.
Our visitors are aware that the Cayman Islands is a God-fearing country with conservative values and we are confident that we can expect from all visitors the highest standards of decorum and conduct, just as we respect their right of choice and privacy.
A total of seven ships with 16,000 cruise passengers are scheduled to be in port on 31 January, and we expect that all visitors will enjoy their short stay here.
Kurt Tibbetts
On behalf of Government
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