Tewarie tells religious leaders: Accept LGBTQI people

Caroni Central MP Dr Bhoendradatt Tewarie has advised religious leaders to accept the world “as it is” and engage members of the LGBTQI community in healthy, respectful and rational discussions about strengthening the family.

“I want to be honest with you," he said. "I think you have to acknowledge that the world is at it is.

“God may have created everybody, but the world as we see it, as we live in it, is as it is. And you cannot deny the existence of people because you do not agree with their lifestyle and the way they conduct themselves. So the question is how can you strengthen families, because I think families are the basis of community, that communities are the basis of society, and you have a healthy and stronger society by doing that.”

Tewarie was responding to a question from a member of the religious community during the 4th annual luncheon for religious leaders hosted by the Caroni Central constituency at Signature Hall, Longdenville, yesterday.

Last September, the LGBTQI community scored a landmark victory when the High Court decriminalised consensual sexual relations between adults of the same sex, in a ruling that modified sections of the Sexual Offences Act.

During yesterday’s interactive session, a religious leader said family life, “as ordained by God” is being undermined by the LGBTQI community, arguing, “I believe this is damaging the society and the family.”