A shocking new poll commissioned by the Jamaica Gleaner has found that 70% of Jamaicans do not feel that gay people deserve civil rights. The poll finally puts an approximate number on the number of Jamaicans who strongly oppose the lifestyle.
Gay lobby groups and international human rights organisations have long criticized Jamaica for its stance on the gay issue. Jamaica has been threatened recently with travel boycotts, largely because of the inaction against entertainers who promote “murder music”.
Prime Minister Bruce Golding has also been harshly criticized over his comments during his interview on a British talk show last month where he said the now famous words “not in my cabinet” in response to questions about allowing openly gay people in parliament.
Some people might see some good in the results of the poll. Ten years ago, the numbers advocating gay rights would have been substantially less.  At least 30% of Jamaicans feel that their gay and lesbian neighbours, friends and family are entitled to civil rights.
