On Wednesday, during the discussion of the Same-Sex Marriage Law, Otmar Oduber, former Minister and former Member of Parliament of Aruba, was seen sitting in the audience. Oduber indicated that, after five years, he is back in the parliament chamber. This time, not on the ground floor, but on the second floor, like any other member of the public.
It was an interesting and important topic for the Aruban community. He came to witness the sentiments within the population firsthand, but also to experience how debates on such a crucial topic for our community are conducted. What stood out to him in the three speeches that he heard, was that there was a serious lack of what constitutes human rights being discussed.
Eight years ago, he was part of the AVP Government, and he must say that it is a pity that to this day, the same discussions continue. There is a lot of muddling going on and religion is brought into it.
Several politicians prefer to hide behind the religious aspect, without considering the rights of a human being in our country. Anchored in Article 1 of our constitution, discrimination is not allowed, and neither is denying equal rights to all those who live on our island. This is what was lacking in the dissertations so far.
They are trying to impose religion on the constitutional rights of every citizen. If Aruba had remained stuck in time, our island would not have a female Prime Minister either. The struggle for equality has been going on for several decades and we are now enjoying its fruits.
The same equality should apply for the homosexual community on our island; their rights also matter.
