Trinidad and Tobago

[JPL]

The British Privy Council has determined that the Trinity Cross, awarded by Trinidad and Tobago, is unconstitutional because it discriminates against non-christians. According to one news article, the cross will be redesigned and replaced with a medal. Another news item states that the Trinity Cross will be replaced by the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

The implications of the ruling are being studied by lawyers in the Cabinet Office, which oversees the honours system. So, this could prove to be interesting.

Here are the links to the two news stories:

http://www.monstersandcritics.com/people/r..._unlawful_award

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11...-Christian.html

Here is an image of the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago from one of the news items:

Hopefully, as this story unfolds, we can keep track on this forum for future reference.

Jean-Paul

[Guest Rick Research]

But IS this a case of ACTUAL (real) discrimination or simply a case of the Professionally Offended not liking a DESIGN? One is reminded of last year's "news item" about Muslim traffic wardens in London snapping the microscopic crosses off the crowns on their badges.

On THAT basis, EVERY award using a "cross" can be "perceived" as a "Christian emblem" when such aesthetics have long been separated from any such connection. ("Separate but equal" parallel awards were abolished in hidebound Prussia in the 1850s, for God's sake!) Is EVERYTHING going to be scrapped to suit the Full Time Moaners? The Victoria BLOB? The George THINGUM? The Distinguished Service OCTAGON?

Interesting indeed to see "why" things are altered in a "cultural" environment. :cheers:

[James Hoard]

The British Privy Council has determined that the Trinity Cross, awarded by Trinidad and Tobago, is unconstitutional because it discriminates against non-christians. According to one news article, the cross will be redesigned and replaced with a medal. Another news item states that the Trinity Cross will be replaced by the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

The implications of the ruling are being studied by lawyers in the Cabinet Office, which oversees the honours system. So, this could prove to be interesting.

Here are the links to the two news stories:

http://www.monstersandcritics.com/people/r..._unlawful_award

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11...-Christian.html

Here is an image of the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago from one of the news items:

Hopefully, as this story unfolds, we can keep track on this forum for future reference.

Actually, I understood from a post on this website some time ago, possibly by Megan, that the Order had already been redisgned.

The Trinidad & Tobago case is rather complicated and perplexing to outsiders. But, it is partly linked to a long standing battle between those of Indian descent and those of African descent. The latter used to form the majority of the population on the main island, but the higher birth rate has meant that since the 1970's the balance of demographics has shifted to those of Indian descent. For many years after independence, those of African descent held political power and there has been a great effort by those of Indian descent to redress that situation. Battle lines are drawn on practically every issue and every subject. The former Chief Justice who investigated the honours system mused that if this goes on any longer, they will have to change the name of the country itself, not to mention place names like King's "Cross" and zebra "crossing". He was immediately leaped upon for being biased.

Unlike T&T, British decorations have been happily accepted by all faiths for generations including religious leaders. When it comes to Muslims, the Turkish Khalifas from at least the 1850's, the Aga Khans, the last two Grand Sharifs of Mecca and their descendants in Jordan and Iraq, the grandsons of the Mahdi of the Sudan and several Saudi Kings, including the current Guardian of the Holy Places. There are numerous other Zillullah's from a variety of places from Malaysia to Nigeria, who also happily wore crosses dedicated to saints. In the case of the Turks, their banners with star and crescent were put up alongside their Christian brethren in St George's Chapel in Windsor. Those of the Mecca Sharifs in Westminster Abbey.

My Muslim friends tell me that St George is in fact also a widely revered figure by them as "Khizr".

Perhaps it is a mite late in the day to be complaining now or else the people doing so are either badly versed in the subject or have an agenda of their own.

Cheers

James