<B>By Pauline ETIENNE</B>

The worst thing about discrimination is when it gets into the administration. While a country is supposed to treat all citizens or residents alike, making one feel he or she does not correspond to "normal" characteristics is just in opposition with the fundamental rights of each and every one. Yet, this is exactly what has happened to two young girls, according to the NGO Arc-En-Ciel.

Police officers made a mockery of a relationship between two girls while one of them wanted to make a statement because she thought her rights had not been respected by her girlfriend?s parents. Later on, after she was able to make a statement ? but only in the presence of an immigration officer because an anonymous statement was made to the police concerning "non-adapted relations" while this offence clearly does not exist ? the latter did not hesitate to tell her that such relationships were not authorized in Mauritius.

While one can hardly accept that homosexual relationships are considered non-adapted by any citizen, the fact that officials supposed to work on behalf of the government could state such enormous statements is just unacceptable. Who on Earth is he to make any judgment on a relationship between two persons?

Some people ? the more so, if they represent official authorities ? should open their eyes and realise that each person has the right to a relationship with whoever he/she wants as long as this person is an adult responsible for his/her actions. We are making long speeches on human rights but we are not able to accept any difference. One is not forced to agree with a specific way of living but one is bound to be more tolerant. If the government means business when it talks of equal opportunities, then these people should obviously not have their place there.

Soon, the Equal Opportunities Bill will hopefully be introduced in Parliament and officials will no longer be able to hide behind false laws. It will hopefully be clearly stated that each citizen has the right to live the way he/she wants as long as this does not threaten anyone?s life. Well, this will be true if MPs do not prove "outdated" (as they have some time proved to be) and if religious bodies no dot block the process, this new legislation will make sure that all citizens are treated alike in all areas of their life.

However, this will have to go along with an educational process to make sure the law is applied. The proposal of Arc-En-Ciel to train members of the police force could pave the way for further progress in that field. If some people keep being so intolerant, this law will be totally useless. These people will keep on making these people feel like second-class citizens.

Yet, just as every community must play its role in society ? as the Prime minister pointed out recently ? every person can bring his/her own contribution to the socio-economic progress of society without his/her sexual preferences being taken into account.