Poll: Most
Jamaicans Oppose LGBT Rights

According to the Jamaican Gleanernewspaper, a recent public opinion poll it conducted found that 70% of Jamaicans don't believe gays should have any civil rights. Although the Gleanerpoll reported that Jamaican women are more receptive than men when it comes to LGBT rights, the chances of overturning the country's antigay laws are very low.

The country has seen increasing displays of violence toward gays in recent months. The Gleanerblamed Jamaican musicians for what they call "the less-than-accommodating treatment of homosexuals." According to the newspaper, locals who were involved in acts of violence toward gays were said to be "acting out the violence portrayed in the lyrics" of dancehall and reggae music. Despite criticism from around the world regarding Jamaica's antigay atmosphere, Prime Minister Bruce Golding insisted, "Jamaica is not going to allow values to be imposed on it from outside" last month in an interview broadcast on BBC. He has also refused to allow gays to be a part of his cabinet. (The Advocate)