Eastern Caribbean Court Strikes Down St. Lucia's Colonial-Era Sodomy Law

ST. LUCIA STRIKES DOWN COLONIAL-ERA SODOMY LAW, MARKING MAJOR WIN FOR LGBTQ RIGHTS IN THE CARIBBEAN In a landmark ruling, the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court struck down St. Lucia's ban on same-sex intimacy in late July 2025, marking a significant victory for LGBTQ rights in the Caribbean. According to Judge Shawn Innocent's ruling, the law "exacerbate[s], if not condone[s], the stigmatization of homosexual persons in civil society and engender[s] feelings of hostility fueled by persons who are inclined to take the moral high ground." The judge emphasized that it is the law itself that violates constitutional rights. The ruling was met with swift reactions from both supporters and critics. "This is a long-overdue victory for our community," said a spokesperson for the Caribbean LGBTQIA advocacy group, who wished to remain anonymous. "We have been fighting for this moment for years, and we are thrilled that justice has finally been served." However, not all parties were pleased with the decision. Reverend Dr. Martin Williams, a prominent religious leader in St. Lucia, expressed concerns about the impact on traditional values. "This ruling is a threat to our way of life," he said. "We must stand firm against this attempt to undermine our moral principles." The law in question was inherited from colonial times and had been in place since 1861. Judge Innocent's decision highlights the ongoing struggle between modern identity and dated colonial legacies in the Caribbean. St. Lucia is not alone in grappling with these issues. Many island nations are still navigating their relationships with colonial-era laws, which often conflict with contemporary values of equality and inclusivity. The ruling has sparked a renewed debate about LGBTQ rights in the Caribbean. While some see it as a major step forward, others fear that it will lead to social unrest and erosion of traditional values. As the region continues to evolve, one thing is clear: this decision marks a significant turning point in the fight for LGBTQ rights in the Caribbean. Background: The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court has jurisdiction over several island nations, including St. Lucia, Dominica, and Grenada. The court's ruling is binding on all member states. In 2020, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) launched a regional initiative to address LGBTQ issues, but progress has been slow. This decision marks the first time a Caribbean nation has struck down a colonial-era sodomy law. Other nations in the region are likely to follow suit. Next developments: The ruling is expected to have far-reaching implications for LGBTQ rights across the Caribbean. Advocates are calling on governments to repeal similar laws and implement policies that promote equality and inclusivity. As the debate continues, one thing is clear: this decision marks a significant shift towards greater recognition of LGBTQ rights in the region. *Reporting by Forbes.*