The gender referendum date has been announced. On June 7, Bahamians will vote up or down four measures intended to ensure equality between men and women.
"I want to be clear, these bills do not propose radical changes. Instead, this is about making sure that the supreme law of the land reflects our values and our commitment to fairness," said Prime Minister Perry Christie on Sunday at the launch of the "YES Bahamas" campaign.
This will be a difficult fight for the yes side. Homophobia runs deep in our culture, and those who oppose these reforms have made many Bahamians think one or all of the questions are about same-sex marriage. Even though the referendum is not about that issue, the no side keeps playing to the fears of the ill-informed.
Difficult though it may be, there is a coalition that can be formed that could win this. The Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) supports the bills. The Free National Movement (FNM) supports the bills. The Anglican and Catholic churches support the bills. Prominent Bishop Neil Ellis supports the reforms. Others must be joined to the cause.
What is at stake here is the definition of our state, our community. Are we a Western country that through struggle, debate, protest and education leans more toward inclusion and pluralism? Or are we a regressive society clinging to old notions of social control, patriarchy, fear and intolerance? Do we want to be more like Sweden or Saudi Arabia? Do we want to be more like Canada or Iran?
The democratic spirit we should embrace speaks to the common dignity of people. It holds that men and women, boys and girls, should have equal opportunity in their society. They should be judged on the content of their character; on their industriousness; on their talents. They should not be rewarded or disadvantaged because of their gender.
For the yes side to win there must be a strong turnout of progressive thinking people. The scaremongers will terrify their supporters to the polls. The yes side must inspire its supporters to vote.
As we have said before, the fight to advance democracy and justice is never easily won. But when it is, our lives and communities are enriched. Those who support gender equality must not cower to those who fear change.
Christie and the leader of the opposition, Dr. Hubert Minnis, are unpopular. That should not stop those who believe in these measures from supporting this initiative. Keeping the constitution as it is keeps discrimination enshrined in our supreme law, taking opportunity away from The Bahamas.
A yes vote would expand opportunity. It would expand fairness. It would make our commonwealth a more just place.
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