The Jamaica Umbrella Groups of Churches (JUGC) said it is deeply concerned and alarmed about aspects of the Yute Chatz chatbot and has urged the Ministry of Health and Wellness to thoroughly review its contents.
The chatbot was launched last November by the National Family Planning Board (NFPB) and provides advice on sexual and reproductive health issues. The platform targets people between 13 and 24 years old and was developed in collaboration with UNICEF and U-Report Jamaica.
A recent exposé by the Christian advocacy group, the Love March Movement, has unearthed several troubling findings, including the fact that children were being referred to J-Flag, a gay lobby group, for advice. The JUGC said it was horrified, as while the initiative appears well-intentioned, there are troubling aspects of the app that warrant urgent attention.
“As an organisation, we are troubled by the inclusion of a non-binary gender option and the promotion of medical transitioning as a normal procedure to teenagers. The promotion of potentially life-altering decisions to a vulnerable group is a significant departure from our local majority consensus on morally acceptable choices,” the church group stated in an open letter to health minister Dr. Christopher Tufton.
The JUGC noted that societies such as the United Kingdom are moving to ban puberty blockers and access to transitioning procedures for minors. The group said adolescents should be provided with accurate information about reproductive health in a manner that respects their developing understanding of self-identity, cultural norms, and family values.
“Further, the referral of children with sexuality issues to J-Flag (rebranded as Equality Ja), an organisation known for its advocacy of transgender rights, raises serious questions about the appropriateness of the advice provided through this app,” the JUGC wrote.
While the group supports the provision of help for those individuals struggling with their sexual orientation or gender identity, it said it is important that they receive guidance from qualified professionals who can offer comprehensive support tailored to their needs.
The letter, which was penned by chairman of JUGC Courtney Gordon, urged the government to take a strong stand against the undermining of the country’s traditional values. The group also wants the disentangling of state agencies from engagement and partnership with all forms of unacceptable behaviour.
“We further call on the Ministry of Health and Wellness to thoroughly review the contents of the Yute Chatz chatbot and take steps to end the promoting of certain ideologies and medical procedures to impressionable young people,” the JUGC stated.
The Ministry of Health and Wellness is being encouraged to involve the National Parent-Teacher Association, the Guidance Counsellors Association, and the Jamaica Teachers’ Association in the review process to ensure that the app aligns with the country’s cultural norms and values.