By Eugenia López Uribe Regional Director of IPPF ACRO   The recent decision by the High Court of St Vincent and the Grenadines to uphold the criminalisation of consensual same-sex activity is deeply regressive and unacceptable.  Despite global progress towards LGBTQI+ ‘s rights, this decision aims to perpetuate colonial-era laws and asan organization committed to equality and the access to healthcare for all, IPPF ACRO stands with Javin Johnson and Sean Macleish, the two gay men who demanded a change in the law in their country, so they can live free from discrimination, prejudice and enjoy  the same rights as all citizens.  By supporting Johnson and Macleish, we also support all  LGTBQ+ community in in St Vincent and the Grenadines. They should not continue to be let down, it is their government obligation to guarantee their right to live healthy lives, free from any stigma, prejudice and violence Besides, it is concerning to witness setbacks on other continents and IPPF is also taking action about the recent decision by Ghana's parliament to intensify the crackdown on the rights of LGBTQ+ people by imposing a prison sentence of up to five years for the "wilful promotion, sponsorship, or support of LGBTQ+ activities". Both recent decisions indicate  the continued pressure from fundamentalist groups seeking to regress and perpetuate colonial and backward views on gender and sexual diversity. However,  from our side, we will continue to work tirelessly around the world to stop these regressive laws and to defend the rights of LGTBQ+ communities.  These decisions affect the lives of millions of people who are once again at the center of violence supported by governments that should not be criminalizing them for being who they are, for loving who they love. We all have equal sexual and reproductive rights. Let us be clear: we will intensify our efforts against those regressive laws. And we know we will succeed.

In a historic day for the LGBTQ+ community of Barbados, the High Court struck down colonial-era laws which were used to discriminate against LGBTQ+ people in the island, and further infringe their human rights by promoting violence towards the community.   The decision struck down Sections 9 and 12 of the Barbados Sexual Offences Act, also known as the “buggery” and “indecency” laws, which criminalized consensual same-sex intimacy. Under Section 9, punishment for breaking the law could be as severe as life imprisonment for men who engaged in same-sex sexual activity. Under Section 12, men, as well as women, were criminalized and liable to imprisonment of up to 10 years. The oral ruling was given on the 12th Decemnber 2022, with a written decision to come in early 2023, and was the third such ruling in the Caribbean this year with both Antigua and Barbuda and St Kitts and Nevis striking down similar laws, showing that significant progress is being made even within its challenging context.  The case was filed by Barbadian LGBTQ+ advocates with local LGBTQ+ organization Equals providing community support, and with the regional LGBT umbrella organization, Eastern Caribbean Alliance for Diversity and Equality facilitating. Michael Rapley, Chair of Equals Barbados told IPPF Americas and The Caribbean “While this is a major step towards equality in Barbados, there is still work to be done to address the lack of protections that LGBTQ+ people in Barbados face, as well as a need to create positive public perceptions of the community.” During this moment of celebration, we are reminded that there is still much to be done. LGBQT+ people living in the Caribbean are reporting rising discrimination and harassment, even barriers to accessing basic services. This highlights the real work being done on the ground which regional and international organizations must continue to support in order to strengthen these organizations while using our voices to advocate for social and legislative change.  IPPF ACRO stands in strong solidarity with the people of Barbados, and LGBTQ+ people throughout the region who continue to fight for their rights and freedom from stigma and discrimination. “We will not stop until everyone in our region is afforded the rights and freedoms to which they are entitled. We congratulate all those who have contributed to the progress made in the Caribbean this year. IPPF ACRO remains committed to being a strong ally in the work still to be done.” Dona Da Costa Martinez – IPPF ACRO Deputy Regional Director.  

The International Planned Parenthood Federation regional office for the Americas and The Caribbean celebrates this huge win for LGBTQ+ rights in the Caribbean. We stand with our allies - especially SKNAFE and ECADE, in strong solidarity with the ongoing fight for decriminalization in other Caribbean countries and advocate through our Member Associations for much-needed access to healthcare services free from stigma and discrimination.   In a statement released yesterday Executive Director of ECADE, Kenita Placide said of the ruling, “[Of] the seven Caribbean and 34 Commonwealth countries that criminalised same sex intimacy, this is the second to strike down these discriminatory laws in 2022. Our strategy has been multilayered; working with activists on the ground, our colleagues, friends, allies and family. This win is part of the transformative journey to full recognition of LGBTQ persons across the OECS. It is a definitive yes to change, yes to privacy, yes to freedom of expression, and we are happy to be part of this historic moment.”  Today Saint Kitts and Nevis Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court ruled that sections 56 and 57 of the Offences Against the Person Act were unconstitutional. This has made Saint Kitts and Nevis the second Caribbean territory this year to decriminalize same-sex intimacy after a similar ruling in Antigua and Barbuda.     Looking to the decriminalization cases which have been launched in St. Vincent & Grenadines, Jamaica, Barbados, and Dominica, IPPF strongly urges these states - and others around the region to do their part and protect the rights of LGBTQ+ citizens.     We expect and look forward to more courts standing in defense of their citizen's human rights and dignity.