A week after saying that homosexuals were an abusive and violent threat that had overrun law enforcement in Jamaica, MP Ernest Smith has apologized for his comments under pressure from the Jamaican Labour Party. Despite this, Smith has continued his call for outlawing all LGBT groups in Jamaica including the Jamaica Forum for Lesbians, All-sexuals, and Gays (J-FLAG). Jamaica still operates under Colonial Era Law that criminalizes homosexual acts with punishments of up to ten years in prison.

Pink News UK Reports:

“How can you legitimise an organisation that is formed for the purpose of committing criminal offences?” Mr Smith told the Jamaica Gleaner.

Mr Smith demanded the island’s Director of Public Prosecutions investigate J-FLAG. So far no action has been taken.

J-FLAG told PinkNews.co.uk that the Jamaican Constitution grants freedom of peaceful assembly and association, “and in particular to form or belong to trade unions or other associations for the protection of his interests.”

“J-FLAG has been able to operate successfully under this provision in the legislation for the past ten years,” the group said.

For more information on his initial comments, click here.