Among the countless gestures of goodwill our American friends have extended to us so far, patronage of gays and lesbians stands out distinctly. A prominently placed picture in various newspapers showed US Ambassador Richard Hoagland welcoming gays and lesbians in a ceremony held in their honour at the hermetically sealed and fortified US embassy.
Though elderly Hoagland did not suit the ceremony, most befitting persons for the occasion would have been any of the two renowned philanderers: Sarkozy of France or good old Bill Clinton.
Nevertheless, the diplomatic support to promote the cause of this community will not pick up momentum because being gay in this society is a stigma hard to wipe off. If Mr Hoagland thinks that holding a function to sanctify them will win them the approval of their fellow citizens, he is in for a rude shock. Our maulvis would surely have a day if it ever happens. It is an imprudent move, Mr Hoagland, as you should well know that a diplomat is expected to show sensitivity to the host country’s culture.
DR A P SANGDIL
Oslo, Norway
