For years, Orden David was persecuted in his native Antigua and Barbuda for being a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Facing ostracism and risking his life, David took his government to court in 2022 to demand an end to his country’s anti-sodomy law.
“Governments in these jurisdictions should be pro-active and repeal these laws now, instead of waiting for members of the LGBT community to force legal change,” said Téa Braun, chief executive of Human Dignity Trust. “With three successful judgments last year and further legal challenges in the Caribbean ongoing, it is only a matter of time before these laws fall across the region.”
LGBT people in such countries, face “a constitution that criminalizes them on one end, and a religion that says they’re an abomination,” said Kenita Placide, executive director for The Eastern Caribbean Alliance for Diversity and Equality. Growing up, Orden David was bullied in school and discriminated against outside its walls. People took photographs of him and posted them on social media, called him slurs and attacked him physically.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Urban Art Gallery’s Caribbean Creatives Art Show celebrates a community within a communityKarl Morris, who opened the Urban Art Gallery 10 years ago in 2013, is celebrating Caribbean Heritage Month with a Caribbean Creatives Art Show that opens Saturday June 10.
Read more »
The Hidden Parasite Wreaking Havoc on Caribbean Sea UrchinsScientists have identified the parasite Philaster apodigitiformis as the cause of the severe die-off of long-spined sea urchins across the Caribbean, leading to an 85% to 95% decline in their population. This discovery could guide future strategies for the health maintenance of the sea urchins, whic
Read more »
At a glance: Laws in the Caribbean region that criminalize gay sexIn recent years, several Caribbean nations have struck down laws criminalizing same-sex relations - some of them dating back to the European colonial era.
Read more »
Activision faces backlash after yanking Call of Duty streamer over comment on LGBTQ 'Pride' in schoolsVideo game publisher Activision has ended a collaboration with popular Call of Duty streamer 'Nickmercs' over a tweet over a school board's Pride celebration vote.
Read more »
Blue Jays cut pitcher Anthony Bass after latest anti-LGBTQ commentsThe move came hours before Bass was set to catch a ceremonial first pitch from a Toronto LGBTQ activist ahead of the team's fourth annual Pride Weekend celebration.
Read more »