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Trinidad & Tobago Sodomy Laws Ruled 'Unconstitutional'

IN PICTURES: Trinidad and Tobago's LGBT community is celebrating after a landmark High Court decision ruling the country's sodomy laws 'unconstitutional.'

Members of the community congregated outside the Hall of Justice in Port-of-Spain after Judge Devindra Rampersad ruled in favor of LGBT activist Jason Jones, declaring that laws barring gay sex violate individual rights to privacy, liberty and freedom of expression.

 

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Members of the LGBT community demonstrate outside the Hall of Justice in Port-of-Spain after a court rules that laws barring gay sex are unconstitutional.
Members of the LGBT community demonstrate outside the Hall of Justice in Port-of-Spain after a court rules that laws barring gay sex are unconstitutional. Photo:Reuters
Jason Jones, an activist in the LGBT community, hugs a supporter. In February 2017, Jones filed a landmark lawsuit against the government to overturn Sections 13 and 16 of the Sexual Offenses Act, according to which anyone 'who commits buggery is guilty of an offense.'
Jason Jones, an activist in the LGBT community, hugs a supporter. In February 2017, Jones filed a landmark lawsuit against the government to overturn Sections 13 and 16 of the Sexual Offenses Act, according to which anyone 'who commits buggery is guilty of an offense.' Photo:Reuters
Jones argued that Section 13, which criminalizes anal sex, is unconstitutional because it violates his right to privacy, liberty and freedom of expression.
Jones argued that Section 13, which criminalizes anal sex, is unconstitutional because it violates his right to privacy, liberty and freedom of expression. Photo:Reuters
Members of Trinidad and Tobago's LGBT community celebrate after a court rules that laws barring gay sex are unconstitutional.
Members of Trinidad and Tobago's LGBT community celebrate after a court rules that laws barring gay sex are unconstitutional. Photo:Reuters
In the past few weeks, protests have been held against the sodomy laws, with several religious groups simultaneously protesting in their favor.
In the past few weeks, protests have been held against the sodomy laws, with several religious groups simultaneously protesting in their favor. Photo:Reuters
On Tuesday, over 150 people led a protest in front of parliament in Port of Spain under the banner 'Equality, Diversity and Love.'
On Tuesday, over 150 people led a protest in front of parliament in Port of Spain under the banner 'Equality, Diversity and Love.' Photo:Reuters
After Trinidad and Tobago declared itself independent from British colonial rule in 1976, a new constitution was written – including a law penalizing sodomy with five years.
After Trinidad and Tobago declared itself independent from British colonial rule in 1976, a new constitution was written – including a law penalizing sodomy with five years. Photo:Reuters
The repeal is now an example for the rest of Caribbean and a cause for hope that other nations will soon follow in Trinidad and Tobago's footsteps.
The repeal is now an example for the rest of Caribbean and a cause for hope that other nations will soon follow in Trinidad and Tobago's footsteps. Photo:Reuters
Published 13 April 2018
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