LGBTQ+ in Dominica see marriage equality as next step to be championed: Reports

Dominica: The Coordinator and founder of Minority Rights Dominica (MiRiDom), Darly Phillip, said that the LGBTQ+ community looks forward to marriage as the next cause to be championed. After the High Court of Dominica overturned the law that banned same-sex relations, Phillip said that as the community goes along, the next step to consider is marriage equality. He outlined, “If you are free to love who you want to love, then you are free to make an association.” The landmark ruling of the High Court last week decriminalizing sections 14 and 16 of the country’s Sexual Offences Act sparked hope and momentum within the LGBTQ+ community, with advocates like Phillip emphasizing the significance of this next step. According to the sources, he asserted that the whole concept of marriage being exclusively for heterosexuals while same-sex couples cannot get married creates a privilege that homosexuals do not enjoy. Phillip added, “We need to address this inequality and work towards marriage equality for all. While this may not happen immediately, it is a goal we should strive for in the future.” On April 22, the High Court handed a significant victory to the community in Dominica by ruling in favor of a gay man who challenged laws criminalizing consensual same-sex activity. The case, initially brought before the court in 2022, challenged the constitutionality of sections 14 and 16 of the Sexual Offences Act, dating back to colonial-era legislation from 1873. Reportedly, Justice Kimberly Cenac-Phulgence delivered a resounding judgement, declaring the sections unconstitutional. The ruling highlighted violations of the right to liberty, freedom of expression and privacy guaranteed by Dominica’s legal framework. The court found these sections unjustifiable in a democratic society and voided them accordingly. According to MiriDoms founder, the ruling shows progress in recognizing the rights and freedoms of LGBTQ+ individuals in Dominica, paving the way for further advancements in equality and acceptance. In addition to this, Phillip also noted that the journey towards equality is far from over and asserted that the recent court ruling removes legal barriers to LGBTQ+ rights, but societal perceptions also needs to change. He added that only then the community will live happily in Dominica.

LGBTQ+ in Dominica see marriage equality as next step to be championed: Reports

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