In a straight talking, no holds barred interview on the British Broadcasting Corporation Television's (BBC-TV's) discussion show, Hardtalk, aired yesterday, Prime Minister Bruce Golding made it clear that external lobby groups will have no say in the establishment of Jamaica's moral standards.

During the tense interview, Golding also was quite blunt in saying that there is no space in his Cabinet for homosexuals while at the same time assuring gay people that attitudes towards same-sex unions are changing in Jamaica and that the state respects their right to privacy.

The Prime Minister was eloquent, direct and diplomatic with his answers and left no room for doubt regarding Jamaica's stance on the issues discussed.

He was confronted by the interviewer, Stephen Sackur about the violence meted out to homosexuals and he explained that it has been made clear to the authorities that crimes against persons because of their sexual orientation must be pursued with the same vigour as any other crime.

He also explained that while Jamaica has a culture that is strongly opposed to homosexuality, there is a greater tolerance level now as Jamaicans realise that people have different lifestyles and that their privacy must be respected.

Sackur went on to suggest that Golding appointed people to his Cabinet based on their sexuality and the Prime Minister responded by saying that it was his responsibility to appoint an executive that will discharge its duties without fear, favour and intimidation.

See the interview below in three parts.