A piece of local news last week caught some attention - collecting praise from some people and flak from some others. I am referring to the PL's proposed setting up of a section that caters for the rights of lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders.

Now, on face value, one would definitely say that this is a positive move for any political party that deems itself to be on the forefront of progress and openness.

I do not know whether the LP feels that those among us who fall into these categories are being prejudiced in some way. It might be. However, any rights that may be denied are the simple, basic human rights that any citizen living in a democratic and just society would expect to have.

Someone applying for a job would expect to be judged on his/her capabilities and certainly not on whether he/she is gay or straight (notwithstanding some may have their reservations if an interviewee turned up dressed as a drag queen!). Similarly, no one has the right to treat a person differently on any basis whatsoever - be it colour, creed, political belief or sexual orientation. Or age, if you would allow me to add something else. Any sort of harassment is also deplored and unlawful - regardless of the sexual orientation of the victim.

So when one expects that he or she has the same rights as anyone else, what is the use of stigmatising people into groups in the name of their rights - which are basically the same rights as anyone else's?

Should a single mother be prejudiced when applying for a job? Certainly not, but I do not recall there being any sections (within any political party) to cater for her needs. Should a 45 or 50-year old person be prejudiced when applying for a job? Of course not, but many are.

I would now invite the PL (and PN and AD for all they could stand for) to set up sections to cater for the rights of the various segments of society that may be prejudiced in some way.

Maybe they could also set up a section for big-bosomed girls who complain that they never get looked straight in the eyes during job interviews.