Wednesday 9 July 2014

March for Equality!




The 8th of July 2014 could be remembered in Jersey political history as the day the States of Jersey disgraced itself by failing to stand up for equality for all islanders because they didn't have the courage to oppose those motivated by homophobic tendencies, or it could go down as the day that islanders realised that nothing will change here unless they mobilise and organise.

The lesson that must be learnt from yesterday's shameful events in the States is that we have a collection of politicians who are completely out of touch with reality, but that situation is completely down to the fact that too many good Jersey men and women just don't go out to vote.

In October we have an opportunity to completely overhaul the membership of the States and replace those that were too cowardly to back equality with members with more integrity.

Not voting is not an act of protest, it is an act of surrender.

Reform Jersey has pledged to hold a rally and march this Saturday for those that believe in equality for the LGBT community. We'll be gathering at the Royal Square at 12pm before marching to Liberation Square at 12.20pm to hear from guest speakers and campaigners on what Jersey people can do to make sure from October we have a States that will have the courage to drag Jersey into the 21st century.

We hope you will join us.



In the meantime, here is a list of all the States Members (plus email addresses) who were too scared to do what was right, and instead kicked this into the long grass.

There are names on this list that I am incredibly disappointed to see there. They are not homophobes, but they naively backed an amendment that was fuelled by homophobia, having been duped by the more reasonable (although totally phony) elements of their argument.

But most disappointing of all is our so-called Chief Minister Senator Ian Gorst who has demonstrated that he is not the Chief Minister of the islands LGBT community. He could have followed the admirable example of the Prime Minister David Cameron who (in my opinion with complete sincerity) pushed for equal marriage, even though it would be difficult to reconcile with large parts of his political and electoral support basis.

Instead, he put it off to another day and refused to stand up and tell gay and lesbian islanders that he is a Chief Minister who will represent them and stand up for their rights.

For this alone, he does not deserve a second term as Chief Minister and I will not be voting for him.


Votes for delaying an in principle decision on equal marriage -

Senator Sarah Ferguson - s.ferguson@gov.je
Senator Ian Le Marquand - i.lemarquand@gov.je
Senator Francis Le Gresley - f.legresley@gov.je
Senator Ian Gorst - i.gorst@gov.je

Trinity

Constable John Gallichan - j.lesueurgallichan@gov.je
Deputy Anne Pryke - a.pryke@gov.je

St Clement

Constable Len Norman - l.norman@gov.je
Deputy Gerard Baudains - g.baudains@gov.je
Deputy Susie Pinel - s.pinel@gov.je

St Peter

Constable John Refault - j.refault@gov.je

St Lawrence

Constable Deidre Mezbourian - d.mezbourian@gov.je
Deputy John Le Fondré - j.lef@gov.je

St John

Constable Phill Rondel - p.rondel@gov.je

St Ouen

Constable Michael Paddock - m.paddock@gov.je
Deputy James Reed - j.reed@gov.je

St Saviour 

Constable Sadie Rennard - s.rennard@gov.je
Deputy Rob Duhamel - r.duhamel@gov.je

Grouville

Constable John Le Maistre - j.lemaistre@gov.je

St Helier

Deputy Jackie Hilton - j.hilton@gov.je
Deputy Richard Rondel - r.rondel@gov.je
Deputy Mike Higgins - mr.higgins@gov.je

St Brelade

Deputy Sean Power - sp.power@gov.je
Deputy John Young - j.young@gov.je

St Mary

Deputy John Le Bailly - j.lebailly@gov.je

85 comments:

  1. I wonder if Twitter abusive troll Monty Man Hunter will be there, Deputy? He should be being the only pretend gay in the village! Good luck and well done with your speech and proposition. Senator Le Marquand should be ashamed along with all of the other homophobes.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well we know he/ she certainly knows all about it given he's left the anonymous comment below this one!

      Delete
  2. I might drop by to watch the tumbleweeds...

    When will you realise two of the most important things:
    1. Your politics does not suit Jersey. Just as in the USA, Jersey has a degree of 'liberalism', which does not equal your perspective. You are not going to change that, particularly one with such an ageing and religious population.
    2. When it comes to voting, the majority of Jersey voters have mortgages, children, and whilst might agree with some of your liberal agenda - we won't vote with that in mind. Key priorities are financial security, and the health and education for the children. Marriage equality will not feature.

    When you live at home with Mummy, you probably don't care about these things, but the voters of Jersey have it at the forefront of our minds.

    Good luck for this weekend - you are going to need it....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It must make you feel like a really big man when you send dozens of these pathetic comments behind anonymity.

      Delete
    2. Didn't see any tumbleweeds yesterday! In fact it was the best attended rally in years in Jersey. Looks like you called that one very wrong didn't you?

      Delete
  3. Sir - you exhibit a profoundly external locus of control in this instance which is worrying in a politician charged by the electorate with bringing about change.

    If the reason for the votes to delay your proposition are down to cowardice or homophobia then what you lead us to believe is that there is nothing you could have said or done that could have overcome such character flaws in your colleagues. That is not the attitude to approach reverses with because it absolves you of the need to look inwardly at what you and your party could have done better.

    It will be far more productive and forward-looking to focus on what you could have done differently to influence the vote (could you have planned better, researched better, articulated your case better?).

    I am a firm believer in the cause you are championing, but you need to focus on what you can control and not what you can't. Apologies for the biblical nature of the following quote given the context, but I think it will stand you in good stead:

    “God, give us grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed, courage to change the things that can be changed, and the wisdom to distinguish one from the other”

    Simon.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What I don't understand is what provokes someone to write a message complaining to someone who you claim to agree with, rather than sending a message to condemn someone for their actions in preventing equality.

      I just cannot understand the thought process to arrive at the position of thinking that that is the most productive use of time.

      Delete
  4. I agree with the writer above. It is not for us to condemn, we are old enough to realise that people have different opinions, and are not to be CONDEMNED for them, but to see the better way.

    If anyone is to be condemned, it is your approach. A true leader and effective politician would have been far more successful, than this ridiculing approach you took.

    As Sen Ozouf has found - you criticised people too much, and pushed people who might have otherwise supported you away.

    You are beginning to do this with voters as well.

    Your way is not the only way, in fact it is the wrong way.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I really astounded by this sort of comment.

    It absolutely right to stand up and condemn others when they preach bigotry.

    Do you honestly think that great movements like the civil rights movement in America would have worked if they didn't call out racism when they saw it?

    Unbelievable.

    Bigotry is to be stood up to, not tolerated.

    "At first they came for the Jews, but I was not a Jew..."

    You are part of the problem if you think we should stand by and accept bigoted views without challenge.

    If you had been in the States yesterday, you would have been one of those voting to deny rights to gay people. Shame.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. How ironic that you choose to quote Niemoller whilst decrying people's rights to religious belief.

      Delete
    2. I really hope it's the same anonymous posting all this nonsense, because I despair at the idea that more than one person suggests such illogical rubbish.

      You're damn right I will decry the perceived right the religious fundamentalists believe they have to insist that the state discriminates against people they consider to be sinners. I deplore that, and anyone with a sense of decency should too.

      Delete
    3. Just so you know - it isn't just me. I reckon there are probably four different people posting who want SSM but don't agree with your approach. I don't believe, as many others agree - that people are homophobic.

      You have shot yourself in the foot, and now Ozouf looks the heor (probably quite rightly actually).

      You unfortunately stopped behaving like a leader, and just became a replica of a Trotskyist.

      Delete
    4. Have been accused of being a communist before but this is the first time I've been called a Trotskyist, so thank you for that. I consider it evidence I'm doing something right.

      I can absolutely assure you that homophobes exist. To pretend they don't is just naivity.

      Delete
  6. The JEP has started its smear campaign against Reform Jersey by singling out Nick Le Cornu on a Tabloid style front page.

    If it looks like a homophobe and smells like a homophobe then it's a homophobe. Good on Reform Jersey for calling a spade a spade this is the sort of politics we need on the Island. Wear the JEP attack like a badge!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Have already written a letter to the editor on this.

      Nick has a record better than most States Members for standing up for equality issues. Their attack on him is absolutely disgraceful.

      Delete
    2. If the Jersey Evening Post isn't smearing opposition politicians or protecting pedophiles it is scaring victims of abuse into not reporting the crime because of the horrific ordeal they will be subjected to. Gave up buying that filthy rag a long time ago.

      Delete
    3. Deputy Mezec, one day you praised the JEP for their approach. Their editorial supported your position, but now you say they are running a smear campaign?

      Your inconsistencies are bizarre.

      Delete
    4. If you take a moment to sit down and think, you'll quickly realise that it is entirely possible for a media outlet to take an admirable stance in one edition and then an odious stance the next edition.

      Delete
  7. So refreshing to have someone like Sam in the States fighting for the people. We need big change in Jersey. I have never voted before but I will definitely be voting for Deputy Sam Mezec from now on. Keep up the good work you have my support!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I'm glad we've got members in the states who will say it how it is like the Reform Jersey members. I am equally as proud to say I'll be walking shoulder to shoulder with them on Saturday supporting the discriminated majority.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Sam.

    They are picking on Nick because he is the less talented of you two. You are scaring the local media and the establishment dinosaurs. They donot want you re-elected in October. But you will top the polls....

    Just carry on being yourself, and acting on your natural political instincts.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Sam,

    Genuine question, honestly asked:

    If the effects of supporting same-sex marriage included making the road to implementing the sex discrimination law harder - would that be reason to delay SSM?

    ReplyDelete
  11. The states need to get out of the 1800's.

    EQUALITY FOR ALL!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Thanks for all the positive comments. See you on Saturday!

    ReplyDelete
  13. I make no apologies for my approach.

    Neither my nor anyone else's approach led to the failure of this attempt.

    This attempt failed because of homophobia and the States Members naive enough to fall for the homophobes more reasonable (but phony) arguments.

    The blame lies at their feet.

    If you are directing your criticism at those that stood up for equality, then you are part of the problem.

    I have no time for you.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I really had to chuckle seeing alleged "gay man" Monty Man Hunter desperately trying to turn gay, lesbian and trans people away from attending this rally. Just who does this weirdo think he is kidding? Honestly, as if a real gay person wanting equality would do such a thing.

    Coz anyone who follows politics on the net knows this poor deluded soul is actually Jersey's saddest troll Jon of Facebook notoriety. Pretty obsessed with you though Deputy! Aren't YOU the lucky one!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well said. It's just unbelievable isn't it?

      Now that the JEP has introduced a better vetting system for comments, he'll have a lot more free time on his hands, so it will be a bit of a job for him trying to work out new creative ways to spew his bile everywhere.

      Still, his time is coming.

      Delete
    2. Nobody trolls on the JEP website its called freedom of speech.
      Talk about a Deputy who can't take any critical comment.

      Delete
    3. I have a sneaky suspicion that the person behind this comment knows first hand that that isn't true ;)

      Delete
    4. The JEP take responsibility for all its comments online so don't start coming out with the old rubbish used by other ex states members about trolling. If you cannot take another person's view then you are living in the wrong country.

      Delete
    5. Getting a bit defensive there. Who ever said anything about it being ex States Members? Not me!

      But you knew that, didn't you?

      Delete
    6. You're syvret's puppy dog.
      Anybody can see that on twitter.

      Delete
    7. Struck a nerve did I?

      Come on, on the Stella and it's not even midday yet.

      Delete
  15. Excellent turn out today so well done to all concerned. As for trolling Jon I hear your prediction is correct. To quote his words his "time will come". All end in tears I reckon. #Equality4All (not trolls obviously!)

    ReplyDelete
  16. Sam.

    The Jersey Equality March was a resounding success and congratulations to all who took part.

    You, and your readers, can view a glimpse of today's event HERE.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Sam.

    Speeches from Deputy Sam Mezec and Senator Philip Ozouf at yesterday's Equality Parade HERE.

    ReplyDelete
  18. It looks like Philip Ozouf has done well out of Saturday so well done Reform Jersey.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Another JEP stitch up. Ozouf spends days slagging off the rally, shows up and asks to speak last minute and the JEP give him the headline. Ridiculous.

      Delete
    2. I think your attitude has a lot to do with it.
      You have a lot to learn Sam and I mean a lot and Ozouf has cashed in on your stupidity big time.

      Delete
    3. If you consider it "stupidity" to campaign for equality and put on a popular public demonstration for it, then it says a lot about you. Congratulations.

      Delete
  19. I see all my comments aren't getting published by you. I enjoy that, because I know you read them, and therefore they must annoy you. Love however that many others post similar views.

    You are going to struggle at the next election - looking forward to it, despite your PR campaign.

    ahhh... going to meet you one day, and laugh. So, what did Mummy cook for you tonight?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Published just to let readers know the sort of thing we have to put up with.

      Delete
    2. That's nothing compared to what we have to put up with - Le Cornu and Baby Sammy in the States!

      Delete
    3. Does the irony genuinely escape you calling someone else a baby when you are incapable of having a discussion without resorting to name calling?

      Delete
  20. So what did Mummy cook tonight? Got your pyjama's on the radiator - been a late one for you. You need your sleep for tomorrow...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Final comment posted by this sad ignoramus, just for the benefit of readers to know what sort of person this guy is.

      Delete
  21. Looks to me, Deputy that Mad Sharrock McTroll has a new obsession - YOU! But look on the bright side. You gaining a cyber stalker might give former obsessions/objects of desire such as ex-Senator Syvret and ex-Deputies Pitman a well earned breather! Think on it as just another service you are kindly doing for the public and overwhelmed mental health services.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Something tells me I won't be having to put up with it forever!

      Delete
  22. Why Sam? You leaving? HOORAY. I notice the Reform Party still not voting consistently.... so not really a party are you...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We're called 'Reform Jersey' not the Reform Party.

      Delete
  23. Sam - At least we agree on one thing: Leave Field 622 as it is, I live down the lane from it, and we have enough people in our Parish thank you very much. Appreciate the vote, though won't be returning the favour for more ways than one.

    Real Truthseeker

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The REAL Real Truthseeker17 July 2014 at 18:22

      Hi there JSH. You have to be registered to vote to vote don't you?

      Delete
    2. Who is JSH? I am just the Truthseeker putting things right. Having emigrated as a J-Cat a number of years now and only just registered to vote thanks to the Reform Party last week.

      Delete
  24. I hear Monty Jon Hunter and some elderly drunken biker called Mick the Hog Fondler are forming a Monster Raving Loony Party. Sounds fun but do you know if people can form a party if they are two cans short of a six pack?

    ReplyDelete
  25. All for same sex marriage, but very concerned about the huge maternity leave plan. Problem is we will end up with young women finding it difficult to get jobs. When I worked in Germany, where they HAD huge maternity leave provisions, I was told not to recruit women that I had to gauge whether they would be likely to start a family. Obviously difficult to do.

    Problem will happen here - employers will think twice when faced with two candidates, one of which is a woman who may start a family.

    Not a smart policy in these times.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hence why we support anti-discrimination law.

      Women should have the right to get pregnant without being sacked or denied a job.

      Delete
    2. I agree completely, however when it comes to the ability for a person recruiting, it is impossible to prove someone was denied a job as a result of discrimination. I said this when I was recruiting in Dusseldorf, and everything can be justified without actually saying that it was because they might get pregnant -the company always had a 'valid' other reason. Theoretically what you say is right, in practice however, things happen very differently.

      Like all laws, they get broken one way or another to suit a purpose. How many people speed and never get caught...

      Delete
  26. Just looked at how the same proposition was voted on (Deputy Southern's), and Labey, Herissier and Duhamel voted initially against it, but then for it? What happened there?

    ReplyDelete
  27. So Sammy... you're in France, perhaps you shoudl stay there given your politics is exactly the same as the French lifestyle, which is why they are economically screwed.

    Anyhow, your Dad I guess? Gayel Mezec suggested the deficit in JErsey should be propped up by increasing taxes: well it is being done by thsoe means. Taxes ARE increasing to plug the whole, or doesn't he understand this?

    Anyhow, perhaps we shouldn't waste the money on Plemont and hairbrain leftie spend, spend, spend ideas, and that would and taxes wouldn't have to increase.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Just docked in St Helier actually. Looks like you've been on the French wine though! Better make the most of it before Ozouf's duty rises kick in!

      Delete
    2. James Pearce Young19 July 2014 at 22:25

      Looks like stalker Monty Jon is on the source again! And there was him telling the missus he had quit or so a friend of his told me.

      Delete
  28. This blog with its troll fixation is going just like the Bald Truth one.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So said the troll? This blog is top class and tackles the issues our State media just will not touch. But you are right about the silly trolling comments that try to distract from just how important the stories raised by the likes of vfc, Sorda. Pitman and Syvret are.

      Delete
  29. Sorry to see you getting so much pathetic abuse for doing good things like standing up for equality, Deputy. I really wonder about this Maureen Morgan woman and the oddball who hides behind Monty Man Hunter to give you such a hard time of childish abuse. I suppose you just have to laugh at this because I notice that Monty in going on about Unite mentions HSBC.Now isn't this where a Missus Monty works? Hope he has told her about his double life? As for Unite I am a member and I am fully behind your efforts. Toodle Pip.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Sammy - Seen the letter in the JEP today. Brilliant. Do you not understand you are alienating yourself more and more. The Reform Party look like nothing more than a Monty Python sketch!

    Not a single serious politician in the Reform PArty - hilarious!!!!!


    Still censoring I see... LOVE IT! The hypocrisy - thought you were into free speech...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Do you really have nothing better to do than send these vacuous messages several times a day?

      Seek help.

      Delete
    2. Let me get this right, YOU are supporting Maclean (a stringet economic right winger), against the choice of the left at the last election in Gorst. So Gorst has kept his enemy close and you have now resided in choosing a potential CM that is a right winger. Hilarious, the Reform Party are even more inconsistent than their voting patterns.

      Of course, I appreciate you won't publish my comments, some sort of attempt at self-justification, but remember you are censoring.

      Will you please let us know your manifesto? Nahh... Didn;t think so...

      Delete
    3. Happy to allow the occasional one through, depending on whether I am feeling unkind enough to other readers to subject them to such inanity.

      Gorst was the choice of the left last time because he was up against Bailhache. Had it been a choice between Bailhache and Maclean then, the left would undoubtedly have sided with Maclean.

      It was an anti-Bailhache vote, not a pro-Gorst vote.

      If the contest is either three way, or two way but without Bailhache, the criteria become different.

      Gorst has shown himself over the past three years to be utterly spineless and has called several things very wrong. Gorst's contribution to the electoral reform debate has been utterly pitiful and he took the cowards way out over equal marriage (something Maclean didn't do).

      If it's a choice between Maclean and Gorst, I'd pick Maclean any day.

      That being said, I hope a decent centrist candidate comes forward.

      Delete
    4. Deputy. You might wish to know that the Pravda letter writer, Jon Dix, is just repeating his history. During the last election campaign his chums at Pravda allowed him to write around a dozen letters attacking the Left - all in as many weeks. All while other people were getting knocked back from having letters published. This suddenly stopped I remember being told after former Deputy Pitman phoned him up about some of his lies and also, so I'm told, challenged the Pravda as to why Dix could rant away while supporters of the Left Progressives were blocked. But to close I must congratulate Reform on getting this new Deputy Le Cocq elected. Phew, I hadn't even seen a bi-election called. or does Dopey Dix know something we don't?

      Delete
  31. One of the best ways of ensuing that the inquiry does it's job properly is to ensure that their work will be externally scrutinised. It concentrates the mind and the conscience.

    Please sign this petition to ensure the Jersey inquiry do the best possible job, not the worst that they think they can get away with, as is beginning to look likely with their non-consultation, non-answers and evaporating ToRs

    www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/theresa-may-home-secretary-include-jersey-channel-islands-in-the-historic-csa-inquiry

    The future safety of Jersey and UK children depends on these things being done properly.
    More information from Daniel Wimberley's submission to:

    http://voiceforchildren.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/jersey-child-abuse-committee-of-inquiry.html

    ReplyDelete
  32. Sammy-boy, if your mummy let's you out on the weekend, why not drop into the Farmers, St Mary's or Splash for a pint, might even shout you one - of course, it will be a soda only...

    Just might want a haircut first though - people out west don't think much of you...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Looks like you've been on the pints already mate.

      Btw, I get on just fine down the Splash, not despite my hair but BECAUSE of it. Surely you'd be able to guess that?

      Delete
    2. Daren Doughnut25 July 2014 at 20:07

      Out west? Your avatar rarely gets further than halfway across town. His local used to be Africa House until they banned trolls.

      Delete
    3. Yeah, well you didn't turn up....

      Delete
  33. Splash it is then. See you there. Say about half 5?

    ReplyDelete
  34. Didn't even bother turning up to chat politics... understandable given the shallowness of the Reform Party when it comes to policy.

    So, I agree your tweets when it comes to Israel and the illegal means by which they target Palestinians, however nowhere do you raise the spectre of Hamas? Why so one-sided when both are perpetrating unjust and illegal atrocities against civilians...???

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 1. Didn't bother turning up to what?

      2. We're called Reform Jersey, not the Reform Party. Difficult, I know, but you'll overcome that problem, I'm sure of it.

      3. It's obviously a very brave thing to insult others behind anonymity without attempting to justify why we are shallow etc, so well done.

      4. I have criticised Hamas. I know I'm the devil incarnate to some, but it really is clutching at straws to try and make me out to be a terrorist sympathiser.

      Delete
  35. Scroll down my Twitter and you will see that I have criticised Hamas. The fact you haven't been bothered enough to look for it does not make me anti-semitic.

    If you struggle to find those Tweets, maybe you might have come across others where I have overtly professed my strong admiration for both Ed Miliband and Jesus, who were/ are both Jews. If I'm anti-semitic, I'm pretty damn terrible at it.

    If you go onto the States assembly website and read the hansard from the equal marriage debate, you will not find a single accusation of homophobia laid at another member for their voting record by me (or by Nick Le Cornu for that matter either).

    It's very easy to hide behind anonymity and accuse others of things that you simply are too lazy to discover yourself are completely untrue.

    Since you are wrong on both counts and what you have said is defamatory, would you care to retract it, or at least have the good grace to give your name?

    ReplyDelete
  36. Oh dear, dson't carry on like a Pitman, try and sue - you will only end up in the same boat as them. Except in your case you have Mummy to help you pay your court costs.

    Le Cornu labelled people as homophobic in the States - if this is not the case then why didn't he sue the JEP for printing this (I also heard it whilst listening to the debate). You have written in the JEP and even on your own blog, further you on the same page talked of their homophobia. Whilst Le Cornu made these comments in the States, yours were made outside. I didn't say that they were comments necessarily made in the States Chamber.

    Sliding downhill fast aren't you Sammy-boy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This, like everything you've said before, is just a lie.

      If you were listening to the States debate, you weren't listening carefully enough. Nick did not accuse any other States Member of being homophobic. The hansard proves this.

      What both of us have done is referred to the homophobic comments made my the Jersey Evangelical Alliance. I make no apologies for that. What they said was homophobic.

      If you want to defend someone who accuses homosexual relationships as being full of infidelities and insecurities (thereby necessitating that homosexuals are not given equal rights) then you are entitled to be a homophobe too.

      I personally think those views are disgusting and must be challenged.

      Homophobia exists. That is a fact. There is nothing wrong with pointing it out.

      Delete
  37. To the anonymous comment just now - thank you for that.

    I'm happy to publish your comment but is there any chance that you could resubmit it without the final reference to someone you made at the end? I understand the point you are making, but I know that this person suffers from some health problems and so I tend to give them some leeway and extra tollerance on that basis, so I'd rather that person wasn't put in the spotlight and I suspect they're essentially harmless.

    Cheers.

    New blog up this evening hopefully.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Not sure if that was mine or not?

    ReplyDelete