Global Pride events to renew demands for equality
Activists around the world are using Pride events to renew their demands for full equality. This year’s Pride month coincides with the debate over marriage equality in Aruba.
The Joint Court of Justice of Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten and of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba that has jurisdiction over three constituent countries (Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten) and three special municipalities (Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba) within the Netherlands late last year ruled Aruba and Curaçao must extend marriage rights to same-sex couples.
Gay Aruban Sen. Miguel Mansur on Wednesday told the Washington Blade that he and activists on the island are “pushing to have” the marriage equality debate this month, but opponents in the Aruban Parliament have been trying to delay.
Mansur further stressed this year’s Pride month events are an important way to counter those who oppose marriage equality and other LGBTQ rights. “It’s especially important for representation because of the same-sex marriage law there was an onslaught of attacks by certain religious groups, an association of churches,” said Mansur. “Representation and visibility are more important than ever.” Upwards of 30,000 people participated in the Jerusalem Pride and Tolerance Parade on June 2.
