Trinidad gay

While battles for legalisation are ongoing in other parts of the Caribbean, Trinidad and Tobago is alone in taking a step backwards. In Aprilthe Trinidad and Tobago High Court declared the country's buggery law. Even during the brief period of decriminalisation between andsystemic barriers to equality stayed firmly in place.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Court of Appeal has overturned a landmark ruling that decriminalised consensual same-sex relations. An appeals court in Trinidad and Tobago has recriminalised homosexuality, which an LGBTQ+ activist says "targets LGBTQIA+ people".

Many rely on discreet social platforms like Grindr for connection, fearing public exposure in communities where religious condemnation remains powerful. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people in Trinidad and Tobago face legal challenges not experienced by non- LGBTQ residents.

High Court Justice Devindra Rampersad ruled them unconstitutional, finding they violated fundamental rights to privacy, dignity gay freedom of expression. The decriminalisation ruling triggered violent backlash against activistsillustrating the risks associated with visibility in this contested space.

This setback comes first gay experience stark contrast to the regional trend. The ruling reinstated colonial-era criminal penalties for consensual same-sex acts, effectively recriminalising the lives and identities of thousands of Trinidadians and forcing many — particularly outside the capital — back into hiding.

Trinidad and Tobago gained independence in but retained these discriminatory provisions in its Criminal Code, as did all its neighbours. The reversal reinstates colonial-era criminal provisions, including penalties of up to 25 years in prison.

This devastating blow to LGBTQI+ rights stands in stark contrast to recent progress in other Caribbean countries, including Dominica, where similar bans were. In doing so, the court argued it was up to parliament and not judges to change the law, so same-sex relations had effectively never been decriminalised.

Homosexual sexual activity is illegal, and households headed by same-sex couples are not eligible for the same rights and benefits as that of opposite-sex couples. The year of decriminalisation was also trinidad year Trinidad celebrated its first Pride festival.

The reversal may further embolden discriminatory attitudes and behaviours, heightening the vulnerability of an excluded community. The reversal reinstates colonial-era criminal provisions, including penalties of trinidad to 25 years in prison.

Regional evidence suggests that criminalisation exacerbates health crises, particularly HIV transmission. An appeal court ruling in Trinidad and Tobago means the country will now punish gay sex with prison terms. The government immediately appealed gay the ruling.

But genuine equality requires both legal protection and social acceptance. The ruling represents a painful regression, but the broader trajectory of Caribbean jurisprudence gives grounds for cautious optimism. But victory was short-lived. Transgender people face even greater challenges, and under the reinstated laws will face renewed criminalisation.

Trinidad and Tobago has reinstated its ban on homosexuality, which was lifted by the Caribbean nation’s High Court in That year, the High Court in the Christian-majority nation ruled in a. For interviews or more information, please contact research civicus.

But sincethe trend has been towards decriminalisation, with six Caribbean countries scrapping their criminalising provisions. Seven years later, the Court of Appeal brought back the old legal framework, inherited from 19th-century British colonial rule and deeply out of step with contemporary human rights standards.

Safety concerns extend beyond health. The legal setback both reflects and reinforces social attitudes. Stigma means serious public health implications. Content warning: this article contains language some may find offensive. Daily realities beyond the courtroom Even during the brief period of decriminalisation between andsystemic barriers to equality stayed firmly in place.

These efforts will keep going hand in hand.