Global quest to decriminalise homosexuality starts with test case in Belize court

A UK legal rights group, Human Dignity Trust (HDT), have launched a campaign to decriminalise homosexuality in approximately 80 states around the world, starting with a test case in Belize courts. The are regular media reports of homosexuality crime laws being enforced in various states, such as in Cameroon where three men were recently sentenced to five years' imprisonment for homosexual acts.

Lord Goldsmith, former UK Attorney General, is one of the lawyers in the case, which seeks to overrule Section 53 of Belize's Criminal Code, which states that "every person who has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any person or animal shall be liable to imprisonment for 10 years." Gay Belizean activist, Caleb Orozco is bringing the constitutional action in the Belize court on 5 December.

HDT are appearing as an interested party in the case along with the Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA), and the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ), who are providing submissions on international and comparative law. Representing the Trust, the CLA and the ICJ pro bono are Godfrey Smith SC, the former Attorney General of Belize and Lord Goldsmith QC in addition to Lord Goldsmith's firm, Debevoise Plimpton LLP.

HDT commented "criminalisation causes misery to all of those affected, compromising people's identity through illegality. We hope to bring about 5 to 10 cases globally each year. Where necessary we will fund cases. In the event of a prosecution we can assist lawyers in preparing a defence challenging those laws. If appropriate, we may bring cases in our own name".

Click here to view a piece in the Guardian on the case.

Click here to view a press release by the Human Dignity Trust.

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