Gay Jamaicans launch legal action over island's homophobic laws

Dan82 · Oct 27, 2012

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/oct/26/jamaica-gay-rights-homophobic-laws

Two gay Jamaicans have launched a legal challenge to colonial-era laws, which in effect criminalise homosexuality, on the grounds that they are unconstitutional and promote homophobia throughout the Caribbean.

The landmark action, supported by the UK-based Human Dignity Trust, is aimed at removing three clauses of the island's Offences Against Persons Act of 1864, commonly known as the "buggery" laws.

The battle over the legislation – blamed by critics for perpetuating a popular culture of hatred for "batty boys", as gay men are derided in some dancehall music – has also drawn a British lawyer into the debate, who said that Jamaica should not follow the legislative example of the UK.

The legal challenge is being taken to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, which is modelled on the European Court of Human Rights. Jamaica is not a full member and any ruling would only be advisory and not binding; it would, nonetheless, send out a strong signal of international disapproval...

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/oct/26/jamaica-gay-rights-homophobic-laws
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Caudex · Oct 27, 2012

Gay Jamaicans: "I have the right to love another mon if I want to."
Sorry, it just had to be said.

TheLovelyAudrey · Oct 27, 2012

Good luck to the LGBTQ of Jamaica.

Pret Allez · Oct 27, 2012

Watch as they refuse to get rid of the law on the grounds that "homosexuality is a colonial import from the West."

Gay Jamaicans launch legal action over island's homophobic laws

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