All posts by nedhamson

Activist, writer, researcher, addicted to sharing information and facts.

A ‘diplomatic tiff’ over same-sex marriage is downplayed, but differences on LGBTQ+ issues remain in the Jamaica-U.S. relationship · Global Voices

LGBTQ+ issues have long been a vexed issue in Jamaica — and rarely discussed at an official level. Jamaica’s Information Minister recently announced that LGBTQI+ rights and abortion will not be on the agenda during ongoing discussions on constitutional reform. While several Caribbean nations took positive steps towards recognition of the LGBTQ+ community in 2022, Jamaica was not among them.

The island’s archaic anti-sodomy laws remain on the books despite a 2020 report by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights calling for the repeal of the island’s Offences Against the Persons Act. The Jamaican government has not yet responded to that report. Meanwhile, on March 31 this year, activist Maurice Tomlinson’s long-running efforts in a constitutional case challenging the anti-sodomy law were put on hold, pending a separate trial date that will determine whether the Supreme Court can adjudicate the matter. Four Christian groups are interested parties in the case.

Source: A ‘diplomatic tiff’ over same-sex marriage is downplayed, but differences on LGBTQ+ issues remain in the Jamaica-U.S. relationship · Global Voices