19th June 2020
Ambassador Lajos
74, South Atlantic Road Fajara
Kanifing Municipality

Your Excellency

I have the profound honour and delight to write to your high office and would like to share few lines on the subject of the LGBTQ. Gambians from all walks of life and across the spectrum have been sharing divergent opinions on the issue of the LGBTQ. Have gone through a series of feeble and strong arguments from the two sides which makes it beautiful reading submissions from other sides of the divide.

It is crystal clear that ambassadors are diplomats of the highest rank, formally representing their countries, with plenipotentiary powers (i.e. full authority to represent the government). Part of their responsibility is to also promote foreign policy and strategic interest in varying ways and modes. Government is not answerable to herself but rather to constituents from which it derives its powers and authority though we are yet to fulfil every ounce of our responsibility as citizens to hold government fully accountable.
Governments all over, legislate laws to serve constituents and it is an established fact that the act and conduct of LGBTQ is criminalised in our books.

Our respective societies uphold norms and values which do not reconcile with the promotion, propagation and legalisation of the conduct and act of LGBTQ thought and we coexist in peace side by side in our respective communities. The issue of morality can be shelved for another day to delve deep into it as it relates to the matter at hand. Our faith Islam, made it’s stance clear by prohibiting the act and conduct.

It is a strong assumption that if a survey or study is to be carried out on whether to criminalise or permit the practice, Gambians will massively reject its decriminalization. Kindly note that quite a good number are not ready to entertain any piece of legislation which is likely to open the floodgates of LGBTQ though they are part of our communities and enjoy liberty. Your initial weigh in on the issue of LGBTQ attracted interesting reactions from the public.

Your Excellency, words have it that your office is pushing the agenda of the LGBTQ despite your knowledge about the reactions of the citizenry upon your initial #BreakTheSilence hashtag. Words on the streets have it that your office is still trying to put a hand into our domestic affairs in regards to LGBTQ and it Is not appreciate. It would be relevant for your office to better understand that Gambians are not happy about any attempt to influence the numbers to subscribe to issues of LGBTQ who are neither abused nor threatened by constituents. LGBTQ have been here and co-exist with fellow citizens without any conflict. LGBTQ are living in our societies despite the different orientation and coexist in harmony but will not subdue to the influence of any foreign policy on how we should live.

For now, it is evident that Gambians are not ready to entertain ushering in the subject of LGBTQ for obvious reasons and that should be accorded maximum respect. It would be great to comprehend that Gambians are not buying into any form of imposition or inferiority complex notions which has a serious bearing on us as a people despite our shortcomings.

If you want to be remembered as a diplomat who contributed positively towards the improvement of Gambians with a smile, it would be nice not to get involved and simply stay away from this particular issue which is not taken lightly.

I hope this piece will resonate well and help to bring about a new chapter especially on this subject which the citizens in good numbers will not surrender to the whims and caprice of the EU.

Please accept the assurances of my highest consideration and regards.

While I remain resolute and committed to the positive development of my constituent.

Respectfully
SN