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Inter-American Commission Announces Review of Jamaica’s Anti-Buggery Laws



The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights(IACHR) has announced a review of Jamaica’s discriminatory anti-buggery laws.

 

Jamaica currently criminalises same-sex activity between consenting adults, punishable by life in prison. Two Jamaican gay people have come forward as petitioners in the case, claiming to have fled the country because of these laws. One, a gay man named Gareth Henry, the other a lesbian named Simone Edwards.

 

”If proved, the alleged facts relating to threats to life, personal integrity, interference with private and family life, obstacles to the right of residence and movement, unequal treatment, lack of access to justice and judicial protection, and interference in access to health care, could establish possible violations of (…) the American Convention [on Human Rights],” states the report.

 

“I was forced to flee Jamaica in fear of my life simply because of who I choose to love,” said Henry. “I am convinced that putting LGBT people in Jamaica outside the protection of the law leaves us vulnerable to violence and harassment.”

 


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