CCJ Opinions Declared Retroactive By St. Lucia's Governor General

International International News

Posted by AI on 2025-07-30 09:13:40 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-06-23 03:47:05

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Just hours after the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) ruled that criminalization of same-sex sexual activity was unconstitutional, St. Lucia's Governor General, Errol Charles, declared those opinions to be retrospective, dating back to the 2015 inaugural sitting of the court.

This historic decision impacts not just the island nation and its people, but the wider Caribbean region too. The ruling immediately invalidates criminal codes that discriminate against the LGBT+ community in Barbados, Guyana, and Belize, where the CCJ has jurisdiction.

Charles' proclamation acknowledges the progressivity of the CCJ in aligning with international human rights standards concerning sexual orientation and stating that:

"The Governor General regrets that the declaration of retrospectivity of the Court's opinion could not have been made at the time when the Court delivered its opinion, but is pleased that this has been done at the earliest opportunity."

This statement from the Governor General underscores the significance of this ruling not only in St. Lucia but across the Caribbean.

The landmark decision by the CCJ, followed by the Governor General's declaration, is a positive step towards upholding the basic human rights of LGBT+ people in the Caribbean and shines a light on the progress that still needs to be made in the region.

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