Opposition Candidate Apologizes for LGBTQ+ Comments, Defends Views

John Seymour

Apology and Defense

An opposition candidate, who is expected to contest the Pembroke East Central constituency on behalf of the One Bermuda Alliance (OBA), has apologized for remarks he made regarding the LGBTQ+ community in Bermuda.

John Seymour, the Minister of Music at the First Church of God, posted on social media last Friday in response to a story in The Royal Gazette newspaper highlighting upcoming Bermuda Pride events.

Seymour questioned why the letter “H,” representing heterosexuals, was not included in the acronym LGBTQ+ and accused the community of lack of inclusion. He wrote, “I want to know why the LGBTQ+ community isn’t inclusive enough to respect my rights. They have yet to add my H in there, H for heterosexual! They aren’t an inclusive group but expect inclusion from the rest of the country!”

Background and Reaction

Seymour’s comments sparked backlash, with one commentator responding, “Because heterosexuals are not marginalized,” while another wrote, “If that’s how your candidates behave, the @OBAbm is not an option for me.”

In response to a comment saying that God cares more about how he treats others than his feelings about consenting adults’ sexual preferences, Seymour wrote, “The blood of Jesus wasn’t shed for me to sit on the sideline [to] watch folly continue to be flaunted in my face. I stand on that ten toes down!”

Apology and Party Stance

He later told The Royal Gazette newspaper that his intention was “not to offend anyone with my tweet. For those who felt my tweet or subsequent responses were offensive, I would like to extend my heartfelt apologies. I was not speaking in the capacity of a political candidate but rather as John Seymour, the citizen. I realize that there is an excellent line between the two.”

OBA leader Jarion Richardson said the party is not in the business of telling anyone what to believe and feel.

“Our highest values are that a person puts Bermuda’s interests before their own and maintains political integrity. We expect our caucus members to put forth their unadulterated views authentically and to debate them vigorously. Our policies are not the result of polite, conscientious, but loud, assertive disagreement.

“It would be a betrayal of our values if we ever became a party of color-coded repetition to those in power. We stand by every candidate, not because we look alike, sound alike, and think alike, but because we aspire alike,” Richardson is quoted in the Royal Gazette newspaper.

Human Rights Commission Statement

A spokeswoman for the Human Rights Commission (HRC) said the organization reminds the public that if they have experienced unlawful discrimination due to any of the protected grounds within section 2(2) of the Human Rights Act, 1981, have questions, or want to submit a complaint, they are encouraged to contact the HRC office in person, by phone, or by email.

Section 2(2) deems it discriminatory to treat anyone less favorably than others based on varying factors, including sex or sexual orientation.

Conclusion

The controversy surrounding John Seymour’s comments has sparked important discussions about inclusivity, discrimination, and the role of political candidates in promoting equality and respect for all individuals.

FAQs

Q: What did John Seymour say about the LGBTQ+ community?
A: Seymour questioned why the letter “H” representing heterosexuals was not included in the acronym LGBTQ+ and accused the community of lack of inclusion.

Q: Did Seymour apologize for his comments?
A: Yes, Seymour apologized for his tweets, saying he did not intend to offend anyone and recognizing the importance of being mindful of his words as a public figure.

Q: What is the stance of the One Bermuda Alliance (OBA) on this issue?
A: The OBA leader, Jarion Richardson, said the party does not tell anyone what to believe and feel, but rather values authentic debate and respect for all individuals.