There is a need for sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression to be expressly included in the non-discrimination provision outlined in the Code of Conduct for minibus operators, Managing Director of SASOD Guyana, Joel Simpson has advised.
Simpson made the recommendation during a recent stakeholder consultation on Violence and Discrimination in Access to Public Transportation for LGBTQ+ Persons, which was held in observance of International Transgender Day of Visibility, celebrated on March 31.
The consultation, held on Wednesday, March 27, at the Ministry of Public Infrastructure’s board room, was a collaboration between the ministry, Guyana Trans United (GTU) and Guyana’s Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD Guyana).
The consultation also included representatives from the United Mini Bus Union, Ministry of Business, Guyana Police Force, UNAIDS and the USAID Advancing Partners and Communities Project.
Its aim was to “share information, facilitate dialogue and formulate solutions with regards to the standard of respect and treatment required for all persons utilising public transportation,” a SASOD release stated.
It added that the attendees discussed the effects of anti-LGBTQ discrimination in accessing public transportation, and regulations and solutions aimed at preventing and punishing violence and discrimination against LGBTQ+ persons seeking to utilise public transportation services.
SASOD stated that Muriel Tinnis-Duke, Director of Consumer Affairs at the Ministry of Business, during the forum noted that the recently released Code of Conduct for Minibus
Operators was prepared with the prevention of all forms of discrimination in mind.
However, Simpson, it said, while recognising that gender is a prohibited category of discrimination in the Code of Conduct, noted that “sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression” needs to be expressly included in the list of grounds in the Code’s non-discrimination provision”, and suggested that there is need for broader consultations on future iterations of the document.
SASOD reported that in Simpson’s opening remarks, he noted that the goal of the forum was to find collective solutions to prevent the violence and discrimination which plagues LGBTQ+ persons when using public transport, especially those who identify as transgender.
He emphasized that every citizen should be able to access public transportation without fear of violence or discrimination.
“The problem, he said, is not just limited to mini-buses, but cuts across the local transportation sector, including taxis and speed boats. He also noted the limitations that LGBTQ persons encounter in accessing justice while also pointing out that the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) struck down Guyana’s law against cross-dressing in November of last year,” the release said.
It was also reported that Valini Leitch, SASOD Guyana’s Human Rights Coordinator, pointing to the ongoing difficulties some LGBTQ+ persons encounter in accessing public transportation, noted that this also leads to their inability to access healthcare and basic needs.
While this is the situation, Traffic Chief, Senior Superintendent Linden Isles, noted that the law is clear on the obligation to carry passengers.
“He recognised that cases of discrimination do occur and pointed out the importance of reporting swiftly to the police and giving a clear and detailed statement of the police when these infringements occur. SASOD Guyana’s Managing Director, Joel Simpson, noted that in some cases the traffic ranks do prejudicially take the side of the taxi driver or mini-bus operator. Simpson emphasised the need for sensitizing traffic ranks and transport operators,” SASOD reported.
The release further said that Planning Officer at the Ministry of Public Infrastructure’s Central Transport Planning Unit, Clive Williams, while noting that his ministry is in full agreement that persons should not be subject to discrimination when attempting to access public transport, stated that there is a need for sensitisation sessions targeting transportation bodies.
“Simpson acknowledged the role of education going forward and expressed interest in further collaborations and bilateral meetings with the other stakeholders at the meeting. He also noted the need for GTU and SASOD Guyana to undertake community education so that LGBTQ+ persons can be informed of their role in the process,” the release noted.
