Gay rights appears to be no priority for Bouterse

(De Ware Tijd) PARAMARIBO – Formal recognition of the rights of gays, lesbians and others of a different sexual orientation is no priority of the government’s, which would rather deal with “serious” development issues. President Desi Bouterse implied this at a meeting with journalists yesterday. Today, the gay community commemorates International Coming Out Day with a manifestation at Independence Square during which non-heterosexuals can openly reveal their sexual orientation. The manifestation is also a first step in efforts towards greater acceptance and official recognition of gay rights in Suriname. “I will refrain from commenting for the time being otherwise we will get a dust cloud of things that will distract us from what we are actually supposed to do. Let’s just say ‘live and let live’”, the President said. This issue is an “important” one, but he believes that the emphasis should still be on “the great and serious work” the government is doing.