PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — A top court in the eastern Caribbean island of Dominica has struck down colonial-era laws criminalizing gay sex. It’s the latest nation to repeal such laws in the socially conservative region, joining Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Antigua and Barbuda. Monday’s ruling comes nearly five years after a man whose identity was withheld for his safety challenged Dominica’s laws in 2019, saying they violated his constitutional rights. While the laws stemmed from the British colonial period, they were strengthened in 1998, with punishment of up to 10 years in prison if found guilty. The man said the laws caused him to “live with great condemnation and fear not only for himself but others who are a part of the LGBT community in Dominica,” according to Human Dignity Trust, a London-based nonprofit. |
Chinese tourist tower overlooking North Korea could be demolished — Radio Free AsiaNASA's historic Mars helicopter Ingenuity grounded for good after 72 flightsWatch: Peru policeman dressed as bear pounces on Valentine’s DayGovernment mulls expanding inquiry into CovidSome imported animal products using production methods illegal in New ZealandSensitive NZ Police video evidence shuffled around US tech companiesWatch: Peru policeman dressed as bear pounces on Valentine’s DayParents 'frustrated' by not knowing how students compare to others nationallyHong Kong denies entry to campaigner en route to Jimmy Lai trial — Radio Free AsiaNorth Korea's Kim Jong Un turns 40 ... maybe