Trinidad and Tobago: High Court rules to decriminalise consenting sex between adult males

[Eugene]

Source: Loop News

High Court rules to decriminalise consenting sex between adult males

ALINA DOODNATH CREATED : 20 SEPTEMBER 2018 T&T NEWS

A ruling by High Court judge Devindra Rampersad has enforced that sexual activity between consenting adults of the same sex should not be criminalised.

The ruling, which was delivered on September 20, 2018, follows the initial historic decision on April 12 in the matter of Jason Jones v the Attorney General, which challenged Sections 13 and 16 of the Sexual Offences Act as unconstitutional.

Representing the State, Fyard Hosein, SC, asked for a 45-day stay in order to lodge an appeal, indicating again the State’s intent to take the matter to the Privy Council, however, this was denied.

Although the legislation was not struck out completely, the ruling ensures that consenting adults will not be liable to criminal charges if engaging in anal sex or intimate sexual acts which do not include penetration.

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Read more: http://www.looptt.com/content/high-court-rules-decriminalise-consenting-sex-between-adult-males

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In his historic ruling on April 12, High Court judge Devindra Rampersad acknowledged the submission and objections made by religious groups but said the religious beliefs of some are not held by all. He said all citizens are entitled to be protected under the Constitution.

"This court must and will uphold the Constitution to recognize the dignity of even one citizen whose rights and freedoms have been invalidly taken away," said Rampersad said in the initial ruling on April 12.

This appears to be from Trinidad and Tobago?