There was much discussion this week when the rainbow flag was flown at half-staff at the United States embassy in Jamaica in support and respect for the 49 persons who were murdered and those hospitalized from the Orlando night club shooting. Controversy began when the Attorney General, Marlene Malahoo-Forte, tweeted her dissatisfaction with the embassy's action in flying the rainbow flag which was disrespectful of Jamaican laws. This tweet incited a flurry of responses on social media for and against her stance. Some believed that in her capacity as the Attorney General, she should not have tweeted out such a controversial opinion. Furthermore, many felt that as a lawyer, former judge, and now Attorney General, she should have known that the U.S. embassy is considered a sovereign state that controls its own affairs. Others were concerned that her words would affect the U.S. approval of visa applications to Jamaicans. Yet, there are many who vocally and quietly support Mrs. Malahoo-Forte. Some of those persons believe that she spoke in the best interest of Jamaica where the buggery laws are still in existence and people openly denounce homosexuality. So, while they decry the mass shooting and sympathize with the family and friends of the victims, these Jamaicans feel that the United States embassy was inconsiderate and disrespectful of the country's laws and sentiments towards homosexuality by flying the rainbow flag. As such, they do not feel Mrs. Malahoo-Forte should have withdrawn her Twitter post. But, what was riveting were some of questions asked about the matter such as: why didn't the U.S. embassy fly a black flag or another symbolic flag at half-staff when the nine church goers were murdered in Charleston, South Carolina since this was considered a hate crime against the Black race. Another question is whether other U.S. embassies abroad flew the rainbow flag in countries such as Saudi Arabia. Guess we will not receive any answers to those questions.
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