Stop shaming LGBT tenants

THE EDITOR, Madam:

IN AN article published on November 3, 2020, Hon Pearnel Charles Jr, Minister of Housing, Urban Renewal, Environment and Climate Change, highlighted the Government’s intention to amend the very antiquated and barbaric clauses and provisions of the Jamaican Rent Restriction Act (1994).

This amendment, however, came into effect late January 2021, with no provision for members of the LGBT community, who already find it difficult to source adequate housing and continuously face discrimination from their landlords, as well as the wider society.

For years, civil society organisations as well as various advocacy groups have been lamenting about how unreasonable and unjust these laws are, with no provision or consideration made for tenants from the LGBT community.

Currently, as defined by the Rent Restriction Act, landlords have the power to evict if a tenant or their counterparts engage in conduct that is regarded to be a nuisance or annoyance to adjoining occupiers, or if the tenant is using the premises for an immoral purpose, according to the biases of society and/or the landlord himself/herself.

This, therefore, leads to the question: What constitutes ‘annoyance’ or‘ immoral’ conduct?

This provision creates a space where discrimination in housing can occur, because the prevalence of homophobic and transphobic attitudes in Jamaica means landlords could argue that homosexuality is immoral and that tenants are engaging in homosexual acts.

Also, because the phrases are vague and open to interpretation, it is suggested that Section 25 (1)(c) of the Act specifically be modified to explicitly clarify what constitutes immorality and annoyance/nuisance conduct.

In addition, there needs to be dire urgency for a comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation which would further ensure that the concerns and rights of the LGBT community are heard and protected when seeking to purchase or rent property in Jamaica.

TIME TO TAKE A STAND

It is also eminent that several so-called‘ Christian’ landlord sim pose their own personal biases/prejudices when renting to individuals from the LGBT community and oftentimes dismiss any form of engagement they have ongoing, upon finding out one’s sexual orientation or gender identity. This act is outrightly unjust and unconstitutional.

Some even go to the extent of wanting persons from the community to disclose their sexual orientation/gender identity to them, which, personally, I think is utter rubbish. No individual deserves to feel compelled to share any information about themselves to anyone.

It’s time we as a country take a stand and work towards protecting one of our most vulnerable and discriminated groups.

POLICY AND ADVOCACY OFFICER Trans Wave Jamaica