Santo Domingo.- US ambassador James W. Brewster on Thursday responded to former president Hipolito Mejia’s recent comments in New York on homosexuality and gay marriage, which the diplomat calls derogatory, diariolibre.com reports.
"I am particularly shocked and disheartened by his recent disparaging and insensitive comments about those who have a different sexual orientation than yours, because we’ve shared together in our respective homes," Brewster said in a letter to the former president.
He said the term "mariconcito" (little gay man) used by Mejia is pejorative and perpetuates abuse or bullying, discrimination against minorities and encourages abuse in society. He said despite that Mejia’s intent wasn’t to insult, his words had that effect.
"As a former President of the Dominican Republic and public figure, your comments reflect a negative image of the dignity of your nation. There are many Dominicans here and abroad fighting for equality on everything created by God, a struggle that I hope you value and lead," Brewster said.