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Like many other Caribbean islands, Saint Lucia depends heavily on tourism for economic survival. The island has been voted top honeymoon destination by travel publications for many years and with the recent legalization of same-sex marriage in the U.S., tourism insiders are hoping for a boost in arrival figures.
Tourism minister Lorne Theophilus says Saint Lucia has always welcomed gay tourists. However, he says this “live and let live” policy will not extend to a change in the colonial-era “buggery” laws, which outlaw anal sex between men illegal.
“Saint Lucia has encouraged all sorts of business ... (and although) our legislation renders certain acts to be criminal, we have not been averse to visitors from other sexual persuasions enjoying our shores and this is going to continue to be my position,” he said.
Residents say they welcome government’s welcoming policy.
“I cannot comment on whether the law should be changed to accommodate them or not, however I am glad that he is not discriminating and I think this is the most important thing,” says Janelle Norville.
Women like Sharon Mathurin say they are tolerant of each other's views, but believe the laws should remain unchanged.
“I don't have a problem with the people. But when you want to make things law, that's the problem I have, because people live their lives according to what they believe,” she said.
Same-sex relations are illegal in all the nations that comprise the 15-member Caribbean Community bloc, with the exception of Suriname.
In 2012, the Dominican Republic made international headlines after a gay couple was charged. Police said the men were seen having sex on the balcony of their cruise ship. They were released after pleading guilty to indecent exposure.
Like Saint Lucia, the Dominican government has made it clear that it will not consider repealing its homosexuality laws.
The countries however, have an “open-door policy” for all tourists.
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