Co-ordinator says fire highlights homophobia on PEI

Don Macleod

- November 5th, 2010 at 11:25:19

It makes me sick and ashamed that there are still Islanders so backward and behind that they still cant understand about gays...The Island is behind and backward in alot of things and the burning of a gays couple in little pond is no exception...I hope that the RCMP make this a high pirority and get the persons responsible for the COWARDLY ACT.these people i have come to understand are no different than you or i.....They didnt ask to be gay so come on P.E.I. islander that are so far behind the times ..grow up and realize that this could be your son or daughter...then whar would you think or do..then...

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David

- October 28th, 2010 at 13:12:28

This is horrible news! As a gay man from western Canada seriously considering a move to PEI, I'm now thinking twice. I've heard from different sources that SOME islanders are conservative and narrow-minded, but this? My thoughts are with the two men- would not be surprised if they decided to leave altogether. Hope they find the criminals and that justice is served.

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  kcigee7

  - November 6th, 2010 at 09:21:04

  @ David,.. Don't let this prevent you from considering settling on PEI,..This story is def. not the norm and for the most part, people truly don't care.

Mike Wagner

- October 27th, 2010 at 08:07:27

This kind of attack angers and disgusts, but does not surprise me. I remember the vicious meatheads I went to high school with and that type of hatred doesn't just stop when they graduate. If you know who did this, turn them in. No one should need to live in fear of their neighbors. How will these men sleep in the future, knowing someone in their community tried to murder them? Some people will try to justify this behavior among their friends by referring to the Old Testament (Leviticus 18:22). Point them to Leviticus 11:12, and ask them why they're not protesting the sinful nature of our fisheries industry. Or the abomination of our farmers who plant two crops in a single field, and those who wear two kinds of fabric in Leviticus 19:19. Others will just try to ignore the hatred because it doesn't concern them. Doesn't it? Do you know the inner thoughts of all those in your life? Who might you know that is already planning to flee this place, never to return? Take a stand for ALL citizens and do not tolerate this abuse of our neighbors. When the arsonists are caught, and they will be, gather outside the court to show the solidarity of citizens who will not accept this brutality in their communities. It stops now.

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Lee Cowan

- October 26th, 2010 at 22:47:08

Its sad to say But this kind of behaviour is not unheard of on PEI. Unfortunately ,in my experience, people are very quick to judge...without thought or empathy. I am sadden by the fact that two people who have made the choice to be together..to have a life together have been subjected to this kind of atrocity. The ones who did this should be punished .. the ones who Know who did this should be ashamed of themselves.As should all that pass judgement on those of us who dont live up to Your personal standards.

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Alana Leard

- October 26th, 2010 at 22:45:55

I just want to clarify that i was not saying ALL people on the Island are homophobic or capable of doing something this extreme, but was saying that there needs to be more awareness and education on this topic across the Island. Obviously if something like this has happened, there is a need!

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Canadian View

- October 26th, 2010 at 10:57:24

On the CBC Site someone commented that they were taking donations for these men. Could someone post the information as to where donations can be made or a contact number. As far as the reason for why this house was set on fire, what difference would that make? There is absolutely no reason in my opinion to set anyone's house on fire! Such an act is inconceivable to me. What if these men had not been able to get out of their home? What if these men had suffered third degree burns? Thankfully and fortunately they escaped unharmed ! The police need to investigate and find out who is responsible. In such a small place I would think someone would have heard something. How do we know this won't happen again to another person? Nobody deserves this and all citizens have the right to feel safe in their community and in their homes! I can only imagine the range of emotions these men must be dealing with given the incidents they've encountered since moving to PEI. My heart goes out to them. The incidents these men have had to endure do not portray a true picture of our Island Population. The majority of Islanders are caring, loving and friendly people. I know many Islanders are shocked to think that this could happen on PEI. Let's do something to support these two Men and let them know that Islanders truly care and do not condone such actions upon any citizen!

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jacinta deveaux

- October 26th, 2010 at 10:48:07

I think it is pretty evident this was a hate crime, I do not remember any houses being set on fire in this way in my time. I think this is a horrid act by an individual or individuals that truly shows their ignorance and they will be caught it is just a matter of time. No wonder gay teens are killing themselves, if this is the type of ignorance they face. My thoughts and prayers are with these people. Always remember they have family who support them everyday in anyway they can. Take care, don't let the ignorance of a few set the tone for the rest of PEI.

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Nirvana

- October 26th, 2010 at 09:17:33

This is certainly another black mark to the Gentle Island Brand. When can people live in peace and enjoy life whether they are a different colour, obese, disabled or have a different sexuality. It is wonderful to be in love and have someone to love, noone has the right to say who that can be, This couple have endured hate and I cannot imagine the fear, of waking up to the house on fire, but afraid to get out of the burning house because they didn't know what or who was waiting for them. Find the perpatrators who did this and charge them with attempted murder under the hate crime banner. I hope these gentlemen can find peace and an area that will let them live the quiet life they deserve.

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Bill

- October 26th, 2010 at 08:56:05

I wish people would really read the article thoroughly, and think about the implications before commenting, seriously... The couple's mailbox has been SET FIRE TO a WEEK before their house was, this was an obvious warning, then they try to murder them by setting fire to their home.It really doesn't take a genius to figure out why they are being targeted. Also, nowhere in the article did it say that all islander would set fire to a gay couple's house. What statement should be retracted? The one about more education is needed? Well education is needed everywhere, and at every level of society, I don't think that damage can be done by too much education. Anyhow, I really hope the RCMP is assigning detectives to this case that are familiar with hate crimes and they get to the bottom of this, and when they do get them, the justice system treats them the way they should, not let them off with probation, or house arrest; send them to a federal penitentiary for 15 to 20 years. This is an embarrassment, to think that there are such cowardly rednecks living amongst us.

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Brian

- October 26th, 2010 at 07:42:51

I have to say to who ever these culprits are that you are nothing but a bunch of no good for tnohting cowards. I mean i am not gay and i have nothing against gay people especilly if they are married. I mean they are just human beings like any of us and if marrying a same sex makes them happy then all the power to them. I swear that anyone ho is against gays or gay marriages must think it is a disease. I have a relative and friends who are gay and there is nothing wrong with them. So to anyone wh are against gays or gay marriages and especially to the ones who set fire to this house you guys wake up and stop being cowards and selfish as there is noting wrong with gays and stop to think if you ever had kids(i hope you dont as your acting childish) and one of them turned out to be gay what would you do then? Set fired to their bedroom or kill them i mean this is childish. This hatred against gays and same sex marriages has got to stop as its childish,disrespectfu, and COWARDLY, SO GROW UP PEOPLE

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Sounds like

- October 26th, 2010 at 07:42:18

That sounds pretty hateful to me.. and it also sounds like attempted murder to me.. NOT nice!

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Jill Macdonald

- October 26th, 2010 at 07:41:36

Condemning all Islanders because of the actions of a few will do nothing to win over Islanders to any cause. We should demand Leard retract her statement to clarify that it is only a tiny minority of Islanders that would set fire to someone's home, not all of us.

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  Taser

  - October 26th, 2010 at 09:38:36

  Jill, homophobia isn't just about acts of aggression against GLBT; it's about the silent treatment of the issue by islanders as a whole. It's also about the "she/he's gay, you know?" kind of statements and the hush-hush, behind the back talk that is everywhere on this Island. Nobody wants to have to stand up for who they are, and to suggest that they retract opinions because you disagree with them is harsh.

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  Randy McDonald

  - October 27th, 2010 at 15:51:18

  Who's condemning all Islanders? Few people try to burn down a same-sex couple's home, it's true. Then again, quite a lot of Islanders are quite willing to take part in quiet whispering and contempt. If it takes felony arson to get Islanders to start talking about their community's homophobia, that says something most unpleasant about the province. Reading about this news from here in Toronto, I have to say that I'm so glad I left. I just wish other GLBTQ... people could be so lucky.

Downtown Doug

- October 26th, 2010 at 07:38:57

My partner and I have a cottage in rural PEI. Yes our mailbox has been damaged and it seems to be the rite of passage for living in rural PEI apparently. The unfortunate issue of being broken into is also part of some rural experiences because we just don't have the police coverage and for the most part, traffic just isn't there. The fact that someone intentionally started a fire while a couple was in the home would be, just as they say in TV Land, premeditated and an attempt to murder someone. This is NOT an everyday event and all the stops should be pulled to get this handled. The fact that this is a gay couple adds to the severity no differently than if it were a visible minority coupe. Hate is hate and can not be permitted. PEI will take a major hit for the acts of what I consider a few. As a same-sex couple, I have to say I don't experience this type of hatred directly in my day-to-day life and it is NOT what I envision Islanders to be. Let's make a stand here people.

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Evan Jackson

- October 26th, 2010 at 07:37:47

Hey, Yes homophobia is rampant throughout our island, but who's to say someone lit fire to this house in the name of homophobia, it's a tragedy yes and I hope they find out who did it, but unless i'm missing something is there discearnable proof that this was done just out of homosexuality.

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