Top Caribbean court strikes down a colonial-era law in St. Lucia that banned gay sex
San Juan, Porto Rico (AP) -In-East Caribbean Supreme Court St. Lucia This was largely punished in a decision celebrated by activists in the conservative region.
The court found that the laws of the so -called insect and gross immorality are unconstitutional.
Increasing your voice, which is a non -profit organization, St. Lucia called it a monumental step for human rights in the Eastern Caribbean ”.
“It comes as a light of hope among the last mishaps, such as frustrations in it Vincent and Grenadins Trinidad and Tobago, who tested the equality commitment of our region. ”
St. Lucia’s Law of the Colonial Period was sentenced to up to 10 years in prison. Although the government does not force the law, activists and legal experts say that the island remains a threat to the LGBTQ+ community.
According to Human Dignity Trust, a UK -based legal organization that helps to work in the case, he said, “This provision is only a violation of human rights and forms the basis of more discrimination actions”.
Eastern Caribbean Diversity and Equality Alliance in 2019 Antigua and BarbudaBarbados, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis and Saint Lucia.
Courts in 2022 BarbadosAntigua and Barbuda and Saint Kitts and Nevis He shot these laws.
Last year, a court in Dominica Did the same thing.
Kenita Placide, General Manager of the Alliance, said, “Today’s decision represents a step towards justice for many lives that have been lost to violence, not only in the courts, but also because they are themselves.” “It shows that our Caribbean can be a place where all people are free and equal under laws.”
Only five Caribbean countries are still punishing homosexual sex: JamaicaGrenada, GuyanaSt. Vincent and Grenadins and Trinidad and TobagoThe place where a appeal court accuses a decision that accused homosexual gender earlier this year.
Members of the LGBTQ+ community escaped from these islands after violent attacks.
UNUNAIDS Caribbean Office, Antigua and Barbuda Foreign Minister J’moul Francis, such as Tuesday celebrated Tuesday’s decision.
“Human rights in the Eastern Caribbean continue to progress as the colonial heritage of the provisions contrary to this constitution continue to fall, X he wrote.
