Presidential Palace Nicolau Lobato, July 22, 2024. The President of the Republic, J. Ramos-Horta, clarifies to the public about his private trip to Australia and participation in Bella Galhos’ wedding with her partner this Monday. On July 19, 2024, Head of State J. Ramos-Horta traveled to Australia (Darwin) with the objective of obtaining medication as prescribed by the doctor and to participate as a witness in the civil wedding of Bella Galhos and her partner Iram Saeed on July 20, 2024.
After the civil wedding ceremony according to Australian law, Bella Galhos published photographs on social media to express gratitude for this special day, which immediately received reactions from various entities in Timor-Leste, some of whom opposed the Head of State’s presence.
“I went to Australia to get medication and also received an invitation request to be a witness at the civil wedding ceremony for two sisters (Bella and Iram). I said why not. Regarding their relationship, it’s as they know, want, and each one’s thoughts and feelings,” Horta said at a press conference held this Monday.
The Head of State further elaborated that he accepted the request to be a symbolic witness from Bella Galhos because he considers Bella Galhos as a pro-independence activist who fought for Timor-Leste’s independence in Europe, especially in Canada, and always received work guidance from the President of the Republic at that time. Therefore, the President of the Republic asks that we not forget her contribution to the struggle for this country just because of her life choices.
Ramos-Horta further clarified that this civil wedding was held in Australia according to Australian law, and as a father of the nation, he always attends invitation requests and as Head of State, he cannot discriminate against anyone with their options and full rights.
“I’m not concerned about how you live together, but I only know that as Head of State, I believe in our constitution, believe in human rights and the values of Fraternity and humanity,” explained President J. Ramos-Horta.
The Nobel Peace Prize laureate stated that Pope Francis has spoken many times about LGBTQI+ life issues, that there should be no discrimination, exclusion, and violation against them, but to seek togetherness, and if there’s disagreement, that’s each one’s religion and belief.
“In the inauguration speech in May 2022, I was the only Head of State who immediately declared that I defend the rights of the LGBTQI+ community. I do not agree with discrimination and violence against members of the LGBTQI+ community,” said the Head of State.
The Head of State also stated that this controversy does not imply the Pope’s visit to Timor-Leste this September because the Head of State of Timor-Leste always receives guidance and inspiration from the Pope’s comments in the media that as humans, there should be no discrimination and violation against this minority group such as the LGBTQI+ community.
With this event, it shows that President Ramos-Horta wants to welcome everyone because of the value of human life and wants to continue to show the world that Timor-Leste is a nation of tolerance in politics, tolerance for minority communities, including tolerance in faith or religion.
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