St Vincent and the Grenadines court upholds laws criminalising gay sex
A backwards step for LGBTQ people.
The High Court in St Vincent and the Grenadines has upheld laws that criminalise gay sex - a decision that seems out of step with the legal precedents set by comparable judicial systems.
Stemming from an action that was initiated in 2019 by two gay men, the court was asked to strike down the country's colonial-era laws that specify punishments of up to 10 years in prison for anal sex and also specifically punish same-sex sexual activity. However, the court upheld the existing laws.
It is not clear if it will be possible to appeal the High Court's ruling.
St Vincent and the Grenadines is a small and conservative country. Numerous instances of homophobic abuse and assault have been reported by human rights observers.
While the laws against gay sex don't appear to be actively policed or enforced, they underpin the systemic homophobia that leads to most LGBTQ people leaving the island.
What's life like for LGBTQ people in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?
What’s life like for LGBTQ people in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines? Let’s look at some of the key equality indicators.
Is homosexuality legal in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?
No. Same-sex sexual activity is illegal and can be punished with a 10-year prison sentence.
It appears that this law is not currently being enforced.
Are there anti-discrimination protections in place for LGBTQ people in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?
No. There are no protections against discrimination on the grounds of sexuality.
Is there Marriage Equality in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?
No. There is no legal recognition of same-sex relationships.
What’s life like for LGBTQ people in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?
The country is socially conservative, and homophobia is systemic.
Most LGBTQ people leave the island.