PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — A top court in the eastern Caribbean island of Dominica has struck down colonial-era laws criminalizing gay sex.
It’s the latest nation to repeal such laws in the socially conservative region, joining Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Antigua and Barbuda.
Monday’s ruling comes nearly five years after a man whose identity was withheld for his safety challenged Dominica’s laws in 2019, saying they violated his constitutional rights. While the laws stemmed from the British colonial period, they were strengthened in 1998, with punishment of up to 10 years in prison if found guilty.
The man said the laws caused him to “live with great condemnation and fear not only for himself but others who are a part of the LGBT community in Dominica,” according to Human Dignity Trust, a London-based nonprofit.
Spice Girls Mel B and Geri Horner 'had a frosty reunion at Victoria Beckham's 50th birthday'
Farmers Busy with Spring Farming Across China
China to Step up Preservation, Publication of Ancient Books
Sitting Tai Chi Exercises Help Improve Stroke Recovery: Study
Khloe Kardashian shares sweet photo of 'mini
Rural Women Plant Trees, Hope in South China Desert
Across China: Gen Z Injects New Life into Traditional Tibetan Costumes
China to Build 2,000 Fitness Facilities by 2025
US advances review of Nevada lithium mine amid concerns over endangered wildflower
Art Class Enables Children with Autism to Socialize
Alcaraz is cautious ahead of Madrid Open. The Spaniard is not 100% sure he will play
China Improves Legislation to Protect Children in Cyberspace