AG urged to apologize for 'intolerant' comments

Statement by Shadow Minister Michael Weeks

The offensive and hateful comments by Attorney General Mark Pettingill directed towards the Christian community serve only to further polarize Bermudians.  The Attorney General's statement that Bermudians who disagree with him and his Party's stance should 'flee Bermuda' shows an unprecedented level of intolerance and portrays his Party as being uninterested in building a diverse and inclusive Bermuda.

In his role as Attorney General, Mr. Pettingill  has a duty to respect and display tolerance for all Bermudians, including those whose religious beliefs and political or social opinions differ from his own.  The fundamental freedoms on which our society are based include not only the freedom to follow ones conscience, but also freedom of religion and freedom of association.  By his words, the AG has trampled on these fundamental freedoms and disrespected the beliefs of countless Bermudians.  This is unacceptable.

As a person of faith, The Premier must share the feelings of outrage and disappointment felt by people who have been offended by these vitriolic comments. We hope that he will move swiftly, exercise his authority and encourage his Minister to apologize to the people of Bermuda.