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On July 12th, the Dutch Supreme Court validated same sex marriage in Aruba, Curaçao, and St. Maarten, emphasizing that prohibiting same-sex marriage violates the constitutional ban on discrimination. The court’s decision upholds a ruling from September 2021, which had been challenged by both countries.
IPPF ACRO and FPA urge the governments of Aruba and Curaçao to promptly comply with the Supreme Court's decision as it is a matter of fundamental rights. Ensuring adherence to this ruling is essential for the protection and equality of the LGBTQI+ community.
Coming after Aruba’s parliament rejected the marriage equality bill almost a month ago, this ruling continues a trend in the region to legalize and protect LGBTQI+ populations. FPA and Famia Plania, IPPF Members in Aruba and Curaçao, has for decades advocated and supported efforts towards LGBTQI+ equality, with quality sexual and reproductive health services provision as well as community articulation.
“This positive outcome is a major step towards visibility, rights and access to health, such as sexual and reproductive services for all LGBTQI+ people in the Dutch Caribbean. At FPA, we are deeply committed towards inclusion, and as we celebrate this ruling, we will continue using our voices to advocate for social change,” states Evelyn Yarzagaray, Executive Director of FPA, IPPF Member Association in Aruba.
when
country
Aruba, Curacao
region
Las Américas y el Caribe
Subject
LGBTI+
Related Member Association
FPA - Aruba
Aruba and Curaçao, will join Trinidad & Tobago, Belize, Barbados, St. Kitts & Nevis, Antigua & Barbuda and other countries in the Caribbean who have progressed in recognizing the human rights of LGBTQI+ individuals.
IPPF Americas and the Caribbean together with our Members is proud to stand for freedom, equality, safety and well-being of all LGBTQI+ individuals. We will continue to provide sexual and reproductive health services and advocate for legislative and social change across the region, until no one is left behind.
“Today we celebrate this major step towards inclusion. A reminder that advocacy, activism and the continued fight for our rights is changing the LGBTQI+ rights horizon in the Caribbean, the Americas and the world,” says Eugenia López Uribe, Regional Director at IPPF Americas and the Caribbean (IPPF ACRO).
“However, there is still work to be done to address the lack of protections that LGBTQ+ people in the Caribbean face, which cause increased discrimination and harassment, as well as obstacles to accessing basic services.”
