Is Belize Gay-Friendly? An Overview |

Contents:

• IS BELIZE GAY-FRIENDLY?
• THE CHALLENGE OF BEG GAY BELIZE
• TIPS FOR GAY AND LBIAN TRAVELERS BELIZE
• BELIZE GAY RIGHTS ACTIVIST URT BATTLE TO END HOMOPHOBIC LONIAL-ERA LAWS
• HOMOSEXUALY IS STILL ILLEGAL IN THE 9 CARIBBEAN COUNTRITRIDAD REPEALED S BAN ON GAY SEX THIS MONTH, AND THERE IS CREASED PRSURE ON OTHER COMMONWEALTH UNTRI TO FOLLOW {FONT:NORMAL 800 1.2REM/1.2 "D BOLD",SANS-SERIF;TEXT-TRANSFORM:NORMAL;LOR:HER;DISPLAY:LE-BLOCK;PADDG-BOTTOM:6PX;POSN:RELATIVE;TEXT-TRANSFORM:UPPERSE;}{BACKGROUND:#89308A;BOTTOM:0;NTENT:'';DISPLAY:BLOCK;HEIGHT:2PX;LEFT:0;POSN:ABSOLUTE;RIGHT:0;-WEBK-TRANSN:ALL 0.2S EASE;TRANSN:ALL 0.2S EASE;WIDTH:100%;}{LEFT:51%;RIGHT:51%;WIDTH:0;}{FONT:NORMAL 800 1.2REM/1.2 "D BOLD",SANS-SERIF;TEXT-TRANSFORM:NORMAL;LOR:HER;DISPLAY:LE-BLOCK;PADDG-BOTTOM:6PX;POSN:RELATIVE;TEXT-TRANSFORM:UPPERSE;}{BACKGROUND:#89308A;BOTTOM:0;NTENT:'';DISPLAY:BLOCK;HEIGHT:2PX;LEFT:0;POSN:ABSOLUTE;RIGHT:0;-WEBK-TRANSN:ALL 0.2S EASE;TRANSN:ALL 0.2S EASE;WIDTH:100%;}{LEFT:51%;RIGHT:51%;WIDTH:0;}LIFEBY JEFF TAYLORAPRIL 23, 2018/2:49 {HEIGHT:HER;DISPLAY:-WEBK-BOX;DISPLAY:-WEBK-FLEX;DISPLAY:-MS-FLEXBOX;DISPLAY:FLEX;POSN:RELATIVE;-WEBK-FLEX-WRAP:WRAP;-MS-FLEX-WRAP:WRAP;FLEX-WRAP:WRAP;-WEBK-ALIGN-EMS:CENTER;-WEBK-BOX-ALIGN:CENTER;-MS-FLEX-ALIGN:CENTER;ALIGN-EMS:CENTER;-WEBK-BOX-PACK:CENTER;-WEBK-JTIFY-NTENT:CENTER;-MS-FLEX-PACK:CENTER;JTIFY-NTENT:CENTER;-WEBK-TRANSFORM-ORIG:CENTER;-MS-TRANSFORM-ORIG:CENTER;TRANSFORM-ORIG:CENTER;} IMG{HEIGHT:100%;WIDTH:100%;OBJECT-F:VER;}{HEIGHT:2571PX;WIDTH:3829PX;}ALFREDO ESTRELLA/AFP/GETTY IMAGA MEMBER OF JAMAI'S GAY MUNY TAK PART THE FIRST TERNATNAL MARCH AGAST STIGMA, DISCRIMATN AND HOMOPHOBIA, MEXI CY, ON AUGT 2, 2008, THE AMEWORK OF THE XVII INTERNATNAL AIDS/HIV CONFERENCE WHICH WILL START ON AUGT 3.. AFP PHOTO/ALEDO ESTRELLA (PHOTO CRED SHOULD READ ALFREDO ESTRELLA/AFP/GETTY IMAG)BY JEFF TAYLORAPRIL 23, 2018 / 2:49 PM{"@NTEXT":","@TYPE":"NEWSARTICLE","HEADLE":"HOMOSEXUALY IS STILL ILLEGAL IN THE 9 CARIBBEAN COUNTRI","THUMBNAILURL":","DATEPUBLISHED":"2018-04-23T18:49:59.000+0000","DATEMODIFIED":"2018-04-23T18:49:59.000+0000","IMAGE":{"@NTEXT":","@TYPE":"IMAGEOBJECT","URL":","WIDTH":1920,"HEIGHT":1080},"URL":","THOR":{"@TYPE":"ORGANIZATN","NAME":"LOGO TV"},"MAENTYOFPAGE":{"@TYPE":"WEBPAGE","@ID":"},"PUBLISHER":{"@TYPE":"ORGANIZATN","@ID":","NAME":"LOGO TV","URL":","LOGO":{"@TYPE":"IMAGEOBJECT"}},"CREATOR":"JEFF TAYLOR","KEYWORDS":"TERNATNAL","ARTICLESECTN":"LIFE"}{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THIS MONTH TRIDAD AND TOBAGO CRIMALIZED NSENSUAL GAY SEX, WHICH WAS PREVLY PUNISHABLE WH UP TO 25 YEARS {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WHILE THE NEWS HAS VIGORATED LGBT RIGHTS ADVOT, THE PICTURE FOR GAY RIGHTS THE REGN IS STILL FAR OM IAL: SAME-SEX RELATNS ARE STILL ILLEGAL NE CARIBBEAN UNTRI, ALL OF WHICH ARE PART OF THE BRISH COMMONWEALTH. AND WHILE LAWS ARE NOT ALWAYS ENFORCED, THEY HAVE A CHILLG EFFECT ON THE LOL LGBT MUNY, WHICH N OFTEN FACE HARASSMENT, DISCRIMATN AND EVEN VLENCE. SODOMY LAWS ALSO HIB MANY LGBT CARIBBEANS OM REACHG OUT TO POLICE OR HIV/AIDS AGENCI FOR {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}BRISH PRIME MISTER THERA MAY MET WH COMMONWEALTH LEARS LAST WEEK AND EXPRSED REGRET FOR THE U.K.'S ROLE CRIMALIZG SAME-SEX ACTIVY FORMER LONI. “I AM ALL TOO AWARE THAT THE LAWS WERE OFTEN PUT PLACE BY MY OWN UNTRY. THEY WERE WRONG THEN AND THEY ARE WRONG NOW.”{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}BELOW WE LOOK AT THE STATE OF AFFAIRS THE CARIBBEAN NATNS WHERE HOMOSEXUALY IS STILL AGAST THE {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}ANTIGUA AND BARBUDAALAN COPSON/GETTY IMAGCARIBBEAN, ANTIGUA, ENGLISH HARBOUR OM SHIRLEY HEIGHTS, {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}IN ANTIGUA, "BUGGERY" IS PUNISHABLE BY UP TO 15 YEARS PRISON, OR UP TO FIVE YEARS WHEN MTED BY A {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THE ERNMENT HAS STATED DON'T TEND TO CRIMALIZE HOMOSEXUALY THROUGH EXECUTIVE OR LEGISLATIVE MEANS. BUT LEARS ADM THAT IF A LEGAL CHALLENGE WAS BROUGHT URT, WOULD LIKELY END THE SAME WAY DID FOR BELIZE, WHICH LED S BUGGERY LAW UNNSTUTNAL {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}MISTER OF SOCIAL TRANSFORMATN SAMANTHA MARSHALL LLED ANTIGUA'S BAN ANTIQUATED, SAYG "I DON’T KNOW THAT IS SOMETHG THAT IS ENFORCED [OR] SERV ANY PURPOSE, SO [] SHOULD BE REMOVED."{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}BARBADOSGARY JOHN NORMAN/GETTY {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}BARBADOS PUNISH SAME-SEX RELATNS WH TEN YEARS TO LIFE PRISON, THE HARSHT PUNISHMENT ON THIS LIST. AS ANTIGUA, A CHALLENGE TO THE LAW WOULD ALMOST CERTALY SEE STCK DOWN, AS BARBADOS FALLS UNR THE SAME LEGAL JURISPNCE AS {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}LGBT RIGHTS ARE GAG A FOOTHOLD THE UNTRY OF SOME 280,000: THE FIRST BARBADOS PRI TOOK PLACE BRIDGETOWN NOVEMBER {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}DOMICOL MCCONNELL/TORONTO STARCMCC-JULY 4TH OF . THIS IS DOMI. PATED PIANOS THE ROBERT LOWREY PIANO EXPERTS STORE. FOR THE PAN -AM PIANOS ARE BEG PATED BY ARTISTS REPRENTG 41 DIFFERENT UNTRI.14 WERE SHOT AS ONE OF THE ON WE WANTED WASNT THEY WILL PROBABLY HAVE TO BE OKIE CROPPED AS THERE WAS NO WAY TO SGLE THEM OUT WH A PLA BACKGROUND. (PHOTO BY COL MCCONNELL/TORONTO STAR VIA GETTY IMAG){BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}ON THIS ISLAND REPUBLIC THE LSER ANTILL, ANAL SEX BETWEEN MEN IS PUNISHABLE BY UP TO 10 YEARS PRISON. "GROSS CENCY," OR ANY ACT BIS TERURSE, IS PUNISHABLE BY UP TO FIVE YEARS BEHD BARS. AND THE URT N ORR THOSE NVICTED BE SENT TO A PSYCHIATRIC {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}IN 2012, TWO AMERIN MEN ARRTED FOR HAVG SEX ON THE BALNY OF A CISE SHIP DOCKED DOMI. THEY WERE IALLY CHARGED WH BUGGERY BUT PLEA-BARGAED DOWN TO CENT {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}GRENADAJEFF R CLOW/GETTY IMAGVIEW OF A REMOTE SERTED BEACH {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}GRENADA'S SODOMY BAN PUNISH ANAL SEX BETWEEN MEN WH UP TO TEN YEARS PRISON. (FEMALE SAME-SEX RELATNS ARE NOT ILLEGAL ON THE ISLAND OF SOME 107,300.) WHILE THE LAW IS RARELY ENFORCED, A 41-YEAR-OLD MAN WAS CHARGED WH HAVG SEX WH A 17-YEAR-OLD 2011, EVEN THOUGH BOTH WERE NSIRED NSENTG ADULTS ACRDG TO GRENADAN {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}IN 2013, SENATOR LAWRENCE JOSEPH ENURAGED THE LEGISLATURE TO REEXAME S BAN, SAYG "THE DAY IS FAST APPROACHG" WHEN WOULD BE STCK DOWN."{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}GUYANADANA DELIMONT/GETTY IMAGBOTTLE (BATTLE) MOUNTA
GRANE OUTCROP
SAVANNA 
SOUTH RUPUNUNI
GUYANA
SOUTH {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}GUYANA'S PENAL LISTS BUGGERY AS A FELONY, PUNISHABLE BY UP TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT. A MAN WHO M AN "ACT OF GROSS CENCY," WHICH IS NOT FED BUT LIKELY CLUS SEXUAL ACTIVY OTHER THAN ANAL SEX, N BE IMPRISONED FOR UP TO TWO {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}PRINT DAVID A. GRANGER HAS SIGNALED HE'D BE OPEN TO REPEALG THE STATUTE, WHICH IS NOT MONLY {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}"I AM PREPARED TO RPECT THE RIGHTS OF ANY ADULT TO DULGE ANY PRACTICE WHICH IS NOT HARMFUL TO OTHERS," GRANGER SAID BACK 2016. HOWEVER, TO DATE THERE HAS STILL BEEN NO CHANGE TO THE {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}JAMAIDOUG PEARSON/GETTY IMAGRICKS CAFE, NEGRIL, WTMORELAND PARISH, JAMAI, {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WHILE JAMAI ADVERTIS SELF AS "WELG TO ALL," HOMOSEXUAL TERURSE IS PUNISHABLE BY UP TO TEN YEARS PRISON, WHICH N CLU HARD LABOR. (ANY OTHER SEXUAL NTACT BETWEEN MEN IS PUNISHABLE BY UP TO SEVEN YEARS PRISON.){BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}OTHER CARIBBEAN UNTRI HAVE STRICTER PENALTI, BUT ANTI-LGBT VLENCE IS ENMIC JAMAI: GAY MEN HAVE BEEN BEATEN, SHOT AND STONED TO ATH. IN 2017, LGBT ACTIVIST DEXTER POTTGER, DUBBED THE “FACE OF PRI,” WAS MURRED HIS HOME. SOME YOUNG QUEER JAMAINS ARE EVEN FORCED TO LIVE THE SEWERS AFTER BEG REJECTED BY THEIR {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THERE ARE EFFORTS TOWARD CHANGE: IN 2005, THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT LLED ON JAMAI, TO REPEAL S SODOMY BAN AND ACTIVELY BAT {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}IN A 2011 BATE, FORMER JAMAIN PRIME MISTER PORTIA SIMPSON-MILLER SAID "NO ONE SHOULD BE DISCRIMATED AGAST BEE OF THEIR SEXUAL ORIENTATN." A YEAR LATER, LGBT RIGHTS MPAIGNER MRICE TOMLSON FILED SU AT THE INTER-AMERIN COMMISSN ON HUMAN RIGHTS TO GET THE BAN LIFTED. BUT HE WAS FORCED TO FLEE THE UNTRY AFTER NEWS OF HIS MARRIAGE TO ANOTHER MAN H LOL {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}AN GURAL JAMAI PRI EVENT WAS HELD KGSTON 2015, THOUGH SECURY NCERNS MEANT THERE WAS NO {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}SAT KTS AND NEVISWALTER BIBIKOW/GETTY IMAGST. KTS AND NEVIS, ST. KTS, BASSETERRE, THE CIRC {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}SAT KTS AND NEVIS'S OFFENC AGAST THE PERSON ACT PUNISH "THE ABOMABLE CRIME OF BUGGERY" BETWEEN MEN WH UP TO 10 YEARS PRISON WH THE POSSIBILY OF HARD LABOR. (FEMALE SAME-SEX RELATNS, HOWEVER, ARE NOT ILLEGAL.){BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}ACRDG TO HUMAN DIGNY TST THE LAW HASN'T BEEN ENFORCED RECENT HISTORY. BUT 2005 A GAY CISE WAS BARRED OM DOCKG AND THE PTA WAS TAKEN TO SHORE FOR A MEETG WH PORT, POLICE, CTOMS AND IMMIGRATN OFFICIALS. THE PORT'S GENERAL MANAGER TOLD REPORTERS THAT NEVIS DO NOT WANT HOMOSEXUALY “TO BE A PART OF OUR CULTURE."{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}SAT LUCIAMIGUEL CUMMS (L) OF WT INDI BOWLS AGAST INDIA TO FISH WH 6 WICKETS FOR 48 NS DURG THE 5TH AND FAL DAY OF THE 3RD TT BETWEEN WT INDI AND INDIA AT DARREN SAMMY NATNAL CRICKET STADIUM ON AUGT 13, 2016 GROS ISLET, ST. LUCIA. / AFP / RANDY BROOKS (PHOTO CRED SHOULD READ RANDY BROOKS/AFP/GETTY IMAG){BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}SAT LUCIA PUNISH NSENSUAL SEX BETWEEN MEN WH UP TO TEN YEARS PRISON. (IF THE FENDANT DON'T NTT THE CHARG, THE SENTENCE IS ONLY FIVE YEARS.){BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}IN 2008, THE UNTRY WAS THE ONLY U.N. MEMBER STATE THE AMERIS TO FORMALLY OPPOSE A CLARATN THAT THE U.N.'S PRCIPL OF NON-DISCRIMATN CLUD SEXUAL ORIENTATN AND GENR INTY. THREE YEARS LATER, A GROUP OF GAY AMERINS WERE ROBBED AND BEATEN THEIR HOTEL {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}“THEY ASKED IF WE WERE GAY," ONE OF THE VICTIMS, MICHAEL BAKER, TOLD THE GEIA VOICE AFTER THE ATTACK. "WHY HAD WE SHOWERED TOGETHER? TODD AND I BOTH SAID WAS BEE THE WATER HEATER WAS SO SMALL. THEY SAID IF WE WERE FAGGOTS THEY WOULD KILL .”{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}HE ADD THAT WHILE THEY NTACTED THORI, "THE POLICE WERE ALMOST ANNOYED WH , ALMOST AS IF WE WERE THE CRIMALS."{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}SAT VCENT AND THE GRENADCHRIS PARKER / DIGN {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}ANYONE WHO MS "AN ACT OF GROSS CENCY WH ANOTHER PERSON OF THE SAME SEX" N FACE UP TO FIVE YEARS BEHD BARS SAT {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}RECEPTIVE PARTNERS, MALE OR FEMALE, ACTUALLY FACE UP TO TEN YEARS {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}IN 2011, ARC INTERNATNAL ENURAGED THE UNTRY TO REPEAL S SODOMY LAWS, BUT S EFFORTS WERE {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;CLEAR:BOTH;}{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;MARG:0 TO;WIDTH:90%;M-WIDTH:288PX;MAX-WIDTH:1440PX;M-HEIGHT:194PX;}LATT NEWS
• BELIZE SUPREME COURT OVERTURNS ANTI-GAY LAW

IS BELIZE GAY-FRIENDLY?

Gay Marriage⚭✖ UnregnizedCensorship✔ No censorshipNon-bary genr regnn✖ Not legally regnizedEmployment Discrimatn✔ Sexual orientatn and genr intyHog Discrimatn✔ Sexual orientatn and genr intyConversn Therapy✖ Not banned. Public OpnRecent surveys Belize have revealed a mixed rponse towards LGBTQ+ rights and issu, based on a limed set of Surveys of Belizeans would accept someone who is gay or homosexual of Belizeans would tolerate someone who is gay or homosexual. Foreign same-sex marriag regnized onlyLat Amerin urt led that all untri Lat Ameri have to legalize Gay Marriage.

THE CHALLENGE OF BEG GAY BELIZE

An openly gay and HIV-posive member of Congrs reported that other members yelled homophobic slurs at him when he spoke durg ngrsnal ssns, while a transgenr woman who worked as a sex worker reported receivg ath threats and receivg threats of extortn om fellow workers spe filg crimal plats wh the Public Mistry which were not taken serly. Though some Belizeans might disagree wh our muny, most do not show overtly negative behavr or attus toward lbian, gay, bisexual, and transgenr people.

For stance, s nstutn prohibs “prostutn or homosexual behavr” while crimalizg sex between male and female partners – makg hard for those engagg the activi to receive legal protectn om the state. Although Belize remas a religly nservative and predomantly Roman Catholic untry wh many Belizeans opposed to homosexualy, this lg marks an important step towards endg discrimatn agast LGBT people.

TIPS FOR GAY AND LBIAN TRAVELERS BELIZE

Due to s small and ral settg as well as s relatively homophobic society, is ccial that LGBT travelers rema discreet when out and about public areas or suatns. Belize is wily seen as a socially nservative, provcial untry which homosexualy remas illegal and public displays of same-sex affectn are nsired shockg. The three-judge bench reaffirmed the cisn of the Chief Jtice 2016 that Sectn 53 of the Belize Crimal Co – which crimalised ‘rnal terurse agast the orr of nature’ and disproportnately discrimated agast the lbian, gay, bisexual and transgenr (LGBT) muny Belize – ntravened the nstutnal rights to digny, equaly before the law, privacy, eedom of exprsn and non-discrimatn on the grounds of sex, and was therefore void.

Although Belize ntu to be a largely nservative untry, is creasgly beg a popular statn for gay and lbian travelers.

BELIZE GAY RIGHTS ACTIVIST URT BATTLE TO END HOMOPHOBIC LONIAL-ERA LAWS

Wispread acceptance of homosexualy has not yet been achieved, but a recent Supreme Court cisn that stck down a law banng sodomy is a step the right is a meltg pot society posed of wily disparate groups such as Creol (scendants of enslaved Ains), the Maya, Mtizos, Che, East Indian, Mennon, Garifuna (an Ao-Caribbean people), and expats. Belizeans are also renowned for their genue iendls, cursy, and hospaly, and most gay and lbian travelers are ma to feel right at home.

Officially, there has never been a Gay Pri para Belize, but a number of private functns have been held the untry, cludg a Pri Week held for the first time San Pedro 2015.

HOMOSEXUALY IS STILL ILLEGAL IN THE 9 CARIBBEAN COUNTRITRIDAD REPEALED S BAN ON GAY SEX THIS MONTH, AND THERE IS CREASED PRSURE ON OTHER COMMONWEALTH UNTRI TO FOLLOW {FONT:NORMAL 800 1.2REM/1.2 "D BOLD",SANS-SERIF;TEXT-TRANSFORM:NORMAL;LOR:HER;DISPLAY:LE-BLOCK;PADDG-BOTTOM:6PX;POSN:RELATIVE;TEXT-TRANSFORM:UPPERSE;}{BACKGROUND:#89308A;BOTTOM:0;NTENT:'';DISPLAY:BLOCK;HEIGHT:2PX;LEFT:0;POSN:ABSOLUTE;RIGHT:0;-WEBK-TRANSN:ALL 0.2S EASE;TRANSN:ALL 0.2S EASE;WIDTH:100%;}{LEFT:51%;RIGHT:51%;WIDTH:0;}{FONT:NORMAL 800 1.2REM/1.2 "D BOLD",SANS-SERIF;TEXT-TRANSFORM:NORMAL;LOR:HER;DISPLAY:LE-BLOCK;PADDG-BOTTOM:6PX;POSN:RELATIVE;TEXT-TRANSFORM:UPPERSE;}{BACKGROUND:#89308A;BOTTOM:0;NTENT:'';DISPLAY:BLOCK;HEIGHT:2PX;LEFT:0;POSN:ABSOLUTE;RIGHT:0;-WEBK-TRANSN:ALL 0.2S EASE;TRANSN:ALL 0.2S EASE;WIDTH:100%;}{LEFT:51%;RIGHT:51%;WIDTH:0;}LIFEBY JEFF TAYLORAPRIL 23, 2018/2:49 {HEIGHT:HER;DISPLAY:-WEBK-BOX;DISPLAY:-WEBK-FLEX;DISPLAY:-MS-FLEXBOX;DISPLAY:FLEX;POSN:RELATIVE;-WEBK-FLEX-WRAP:WRAP;-MS-FLEX-WRAP:WRAP;FLEX-WRAP:WRAP;-WEBK-ALIGN-EMS:CENTER;-WEBK-BOX-ALIGN:CENTER;-MS-FLEX-ALIGN:CENTER;ALIGN-EMS:CENTER;-WEBK-BOX-PACK:CENTER;-WEBK-JTIFY-NTENT:CENTER;-MS-FLEX-PACK:CENTER;JTIFY-NTENT:CENTER;-WEBK-TRANSFORM-ORIG:CENTER;-MS-TRANSFORM-ORIG:CENTER;TRANSFORM-ORIG:CENTER;} IMG{HEIGHT:100%;WIDTH:100%;OBJECT-F:VER;}{HEIGHT:2571PX;WIDTH:3829PX;}ALFREDO ESTRELLA/AFP/GETTY IMAGA MEMBER OF JAMAI'S GAY MUNY TAK PART THE FIRST TERNATNAL MARCH AGAST STIGMA, DISCRIMATN AND HOMOPHOBIA, MEXI CY, ON AUGT 2, 2008, THE AMEWORK OF THE XVII INTERNATNAL AIDS/HIV CONFERENCE WHICH WILL START ON AUGT 3.. AFP PHOTO/ALEDO ESTRELLA (PHOTO CRED SHOULD READ ALFREDO ESTRELLA/AFP/GETTY IMAG)BY JEFF TAYLORAPRIL 23, 2018 / 2:49 PM{"@NTEXT":","@TYPE":"NEWSARTICLE","HEADLE":"HOMOSEXUALY IS STILL ILLEGAL IN THE 9 CARIBBEAN COUNTRI","THUMBNAILURL":","DATEPUBLISHED":"2018-04-23T18:49:59.000+0000","DATEMODIFIED":"2018-04-23T18:49:59.000+0000","IMAGE":{"@NTEXT":","@TYPE":"IMAGEOBJECT","URL":","WIDTH":1920,"HEIGHT":1080},"URL":","THOR":{"@TYPE":"ORGANIZATN","NAME":"LOGO TV"},"MAENTYOFPAGE":{"@TYPE":"WEBPAGE","@ID":"},"PUBLISHER":{"@TYPE":"ORGANIZATN","@ID":","NAME":"LOGO TV","URL":","LOGO":{"@TYPE":"IMAGEOBJECT"}},"CREATOR":"JEFF TAYLOR","KEYWORDS":"TERNATNAL","ARTICLESECTN":"LIFE"}{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THIS MONTH TRIDAD AND TOBAGO CRIMALIZED NSENSUAL GAY SEX, WHICH WAS PREVLY PUNISHABLE WH UP TO 25 YEARS {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WHILE THE NEWS HAS VIGORATED LGBT RIGHTS ADVOT, THE PICTURE FOR GAY RIGHTS THE REGN IS STILL FAR OM IAL: SAME-SEX RELATNS ARE STILL ILLEGAL NE CARIBBEAN UNTRI, ALL OF WHICH ARE PART OF THE BRISH COMMONWEALTH. AND WHILE LAWS ARE NOT ALWAYS ENFORCED, THEY HAVE A CHILLG EFFECT ON THE LOL LGBT MUNY, WHICH N OFTEN FACE HARASSMENT, DISCRIMATN AND EVEN VLENCE. SODOMY LAWS ALSO HIB MANY LGBT CARIBBEANS OM REACHG OUT TO POLICE OR HIV/AIDS AGENCI FOR {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}BRISH PRIME MISTER THERA MAY MET WH COMMONWEALTH LEARS LAST WEEK AND EXPRSED REGRET FOR THE U.K.'S ROLE CRIMALIZG SAME-SEX ACTIVY FORMER LONI. “I AM ALL TOO AWARE THAT THE LAWS WERE OFTEN PUT PLACE BY MY OWN UNTRY. THEY WERE WRONG THEN AND THEY ARE WRONG NOW.”{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}BELOW WE LOOK AT THE STATE OF AFFAIRS THE CARIBBEAN NATNS WHERE HOMOSEXUALY IS STILL AGAST THE {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}ANTIGUA AND BARBUDAALAN COPSON/GETTY IMAGCARIBBEAN, ANTIGUA, ENGLISH HARBOUR OM SHIRLEY HEIGHTS, {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}IN ANTIGUA, "BUGGERY" IS PUNISHABLE BY UP TO 15 YEARS PRISON, OR UP TO FIVE YEARS WHEN MTED BY A {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THE ERNMENT HAS STATED DON'T TEND TO CRIMALIZE HOMOSEXUALY THROUGH EXECUTIVE OR LEGISLATIVE MEANS. BUT LEARS ADM THAT IF A LEGAL CHALLENGE WAS BROUGHT URT, WOULD LIKELY END THE SAME WAY DID FOR BELIZE, WHICH LED S BUGGERY LAW UNNSTUTNAL {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}MISTER OF SOCIAL TRANSFORMATN SAMANTHA MARSHALL LLED ANTIGUA'S BAN ANTIQUATED, SAYG "I DON’T KNOW THAT IS SOMETHG THAT IS ENFORCED [OR] SERV ANY PURPOSE, SO [] SHOULD BE REMOVED."{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}BARBADOSGARY JOHN NORMAN/GETTY {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}BARBADOS PUNISH SAME-SEX RELATNS WH TEN YEARS TO LIFE PRISON, THE HARSHT PUNISHMENT ON THIS LIST. AS ANTIGUA, A CHALLENGE TO THE LAW WOULD ALMOST CERTALY SEE STCK DOWN, AS BARBADOS FALLS UNR THE SAME LEGAL JURISPNCE AS {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}LGBT RIGHTS ARE GAG A FOOTHOLD THE UNTRY OF SOME 280,000: THE FIRST BARBADOS PRI TOOK PLACE BRIDGETOWN NOVEMBER {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}DOMICOL MCCONNELL/TORONTO STARCMCC-JULY 4TH OF . THIS IS DOMI. PATED PIANOS THE ROBERT LOWREY PIANO EXPERTS STORE. FOR THE PAN -AM PIANOS ARE BEG PATED BY ARTISTS REPRENTG 41 DIFFERENT UNTRI.14 WERE SHOT AS ONE OF THE ON WE WANTED WASNT THEY WILL PROBABLY HAVE TO BE OKIE CROPPED AS THERE WAS NO WAY TO SGLE THEM OUT WH A PLA BACKGROUND. (PHOTO BY COL MCCONNELL/TORONTO STAR VIA GETTY IMAG){BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}ON THIS ISLAND REPUBLIC THE LSER ANTILL, ANAL SEX BETWEEN MEN IS PUNISHABLE BY UP TO 10 YEARS PRISON. "GROSS CENCY," OR ANY ACT BIS TERURSE, IS PUNISHABLE BY UP TO FIVE YEARS BEHD BARS. AND THE URT N ORR THOSE NVICTED BE SENT TO A PSYCHIATRIC {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}IN 2012, TWO AMERIN MEN ARRTED FOR HAVG SEX ON THE BALNY OF A CISE SHIP DOCKED DOMI. THEY WERE IALLY CHARGED WH BUGGERY BUT PLEA-BARGAED DOWN TO CENT {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}GRENADAJEFF R CLOW/GETTY IMAGVIEW OF A REMOTE SERTED BEACH {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}GRENADA'S SODOMY BAN PUNISH ANAL SEX BETWEEN MEN WH UP TO TEN YEARS PRISON. (FEMALE SAME-SEX RELATNS ARE NOT ILLEGAL ON THE ISLAND OF SOME 107,300.) WHILE THE LAW IS RARELY ENFORCED, A 41-YEAR-OLD MAN WAS CHARGED WH HAVG SEX WH A 17-YEAR-OLD 2011, EVEN THOUGH BOTH WERE NSIRED NSENTG ADULTS ACRDG TO GRENADAN {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}IN 2013, SENATOR LAWRENCE JOSEPH ENURAGED THE LEGISLATURE TO REEXAME S BAN, SAYG "THE DAY IS FAST APPROACHG" WHEN WOULD BE STCK DOWN."{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}GUYANADANA DELIMONT/GETTY IMAGBOTTLE (BATTLE) MOUNTA
GRANE OUTCROP
SAVANNA 
SOUTH RUPUNUNI
GUYANA
SOUTH {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}GUYANA'S PENAL LISTS BUGGERY AS A FELONY, PUNISHABLE BY UP TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT. A MAN WHO M AN "ACT OF GROSS CENCY," WHICH IS NOT FED BUT LIKELY CLUS SEXUAL ACTIVY OTHER THAN ANAL SEX, N BE IMPRISONED FOR UP TO TWO {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}PRINT DAVID A. GRANGER HAS SIGNALED HE'D BE OPEN TO REPEALG THE STATUTE, WHICH IS NOT MONLY {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}"I AM PREPARED TO RPECT THE RIGHTS OF ANY ADULT TO DULGE ANY PRACTICE WHICH IS NOT HARMFUL TO OTHERS," GRANGER SAID BACK 2016. HOWEVER, TO DATE THERE HAS STILL BEEN NO CHANGE TO THE {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}JAMAIDOUG PEARSON/GETTY IMAGRICKS CAFE, NEGRIL, WTMORELAND PARISH, JAMAI, {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WHILE JAMAI ADVERTIS SELF AS "WELG TO ALL," HOMOSEXUAL TERURSE IS PUNISHABLE BY UP TO TEN YEARS PRISON, WHICH N CLU HARD LABOR. (ANY OTHER SEXUAL NTACT BETWEEN MEN IS PUNISHABLE BY UP TO SEVEN YEARS PRISON.){BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}OTHER CARIBBEAN UNTRI HAVE STRICTER PENALTI, BUT ANTI-LGBT VLENCE IS ENMIC JAMAI: GAY MEN HAVE BEEN BEATEN, SHOT AND STONED TO ATH. IN 2017, LGBT ACTIVIST DEXTER POTTGER, DUBBED THE “FACE OF PRI,” WAS MURRED HIS HOME. SOME YOUNG QUEER JAMAINS ARE EVEN FORCED TO LIVE THE SEWERS AFTER BEG REJECTED BY THEIR {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THERE ARE EFFORTS TOWARD CHANGE: IN 2005, THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT LLED ON JAMAI, TO REPEAL S SODOMY BAN AND ACTIVELY BAT {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}IN A 2011 BATE, FORMER JAMAIN PRIME MISTER PORTIA SIMPSON-MILLER SAID "NO ONE SHOULD BE DISCRIMATED AGAST BEE OF THEIR SEXUAL ORIENTATN." A YEAR LATER, LGBT RIGHTS MPAIGNER MRICE TOMLSON FILED SU AT THE INTER-AMERIN COMMISSN ON HUMAN RIGHTS TO GET THE BAN LIFTED. BUT HE WAS FORCED TO FLEE THE UNTRY AFTER NEWS OF HIS MARRIAGE TO ANOTHER MAN H LOL {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}AN GURAL JAMAI PRI EVENT WAS HELD KGSTON 2015, THOUGH SECURY NCERNS MEANT THERE WAS NO {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}SAT KTS AND NEVISWALTER BIBIKOW/GETTY IMAGST. KTS AND NEVIS, ST. KTS, BASSETERRE, THE CIRC {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}SAT KTS AND NEVIS'S OFFENC AGAST THE PERSON ACT PUNISH "THE ABOMABLE CRIME OF BUGGERY" BETWEEN MEN WH UP TO 10 YEARS PRISON WH THE POSSIBILY OF HARD LABOR. (FEMALE SAME-SEX RELATNS, HOWEVER, ARE NOT ILLEGAL.){BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}ACRDG TO HUMAN DIGNY TST THE LAW HASN'T BEEN ENFORCED RECENT HISTORY. BUT 2005 A GAY CISE WAS BARRED OM DOCKG AND THE PTA WAS TAKEN TO SHORE FOR A MEETG WH PORT, POLICE, CTOMS AND IMMIGRATN OFFICIALS. THE PORT'S GENERAL MANAGER TOLD REPORTERS THAT NEVIS DO NOT WANT HOMOSEXUALY “TO BE A PART OF OUR CULTURE."{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}SAT LUCIAMIGUEL CUMMS (L) OF WT INDI BOWLS AGAST INDIA TO FISH WH 6 WICKETS FOR 48 NS DURG THE 5TH AND FAL DAY OF THE 3RD TT BETWEEN WT INDI AND INDIA AT DARREN SAMMY NATNAL CRICKET STADIUM ON AUGT 13, 2016 GROS ISLET, ST. LUCIA. / AFP / RANDY BROOKS (PHOTO CRED SHOULD READ RANDY BROOKS/AFP/GETTY IMAG){BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}SAT LUCIA PUNISH NSENSUAL SEX BETWEEN MEN WH UP TO TEN YEARS PRISON. (IF THE FENDANT DON'T NTT THE CHARG, THE SENTENCE IS ONLY FIVE YEARS.){BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}IN 2008, THE UNTRY WAS THE ONLY U.N. MEMBER STATE THE AMERIS TO FORMALLY OPPOSE A CLARATN THAT THE U.N.'S PRCIPL OF NON-DISCRIMATN CLUD SEXUAL ORIENTATN AND GENR INTY. THREE YEARS LATER, A GROUP OF GAY AMERINS WERE ROBBED AND BEATEN THEIR HOTEL {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}“THEY ASKED IF WE WERE GAY," ONE OF THE VICTIMS, MICHAEL BAKER, TOLD THE GEIA VOICE AFTER THE ATTACK. "WHY HAD WE SHOWERED TOGETHER? TODD AND I BOTH SAID WAS BEE THE WATER HEATER WAS SO SMALL. THEY SAID IF WE WERE FAGGOTS THEY WOULD KILL .”{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}HE ADD THAT WHILE THEY NTACTED THORI, "THE POLICE WERE ALMOST ANNOYED WH , ALMOST AS IF WE WERE THE CRIMALS."{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}SAT VCENT AND THE GRENADCHRIS PARKER / DIGN {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}ANYONE WHO MS "AN ACT OF GROSS CENCY WH ANOTHER PERSON OF THE SAME SEX" N FACE UP TO FIVE YEARS BEHD BARS SAT {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}RECEPTIVE PARTNERS, MALE OR FEMALE, ACTUALLY FACE UP TO TEN YEARS {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}IN 2011, ARC INTERNATNAL ENURAGED THE UNTRY TO REPEAL S SODOMY LAWS, BUT S EFFORTS WERE {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;CLEAR:BOTH;}{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;MARG:0 TO;WIDTH:90%;M-WIDTH:288PX;MAX-WIDTH:1440PX;M-HEIGHT:194PX;}LATT NEWS

While not explicly intified as beg gay or lbian activi, the events are further proof of a wispread tolerance amongst Belizeans for people to act, drs, and behave however they wish. AdvertismentReports of asslt, harassment, or other forms of timidatn agast gay and lbian travelers are extremely rare. Areas popular wh tourists such as San Pedro, Belmopan and San Ignac are particularly LGBTQ+ tolerant or iendly, and there are no reports of travelers beg arrted or fed for vlatg the untry’s archaic anti-sodomy summary, gay and lbian travelers n safely vatn Belize even if the untry isn’t que yet gay-iendly.

India’s Supreme Court re-crimalized same-sex sexual acts 2013, overturng a lower urt’s 2009 lg to crimalize by “readg down” the notor Sectn 377, which had been clared ’s crimalizatn verdict follows the May release of the Internatnal Lbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Associatn (ILGA) and Logo Entertament’s historic report on global attus towards LGBTI people. This is the first survey showg that a majory of the world’s populatn supports the crimalizatn of same-sex sexual Human Rights Campaign Foundatn is the tnal arm of the Uned Stat’ largt civil rights anizatn workg to achieve equaly for lbian, gay, bisexual, transgenr and queer people. Lbian, gay, bisexual, and transgenr (LGBT) persons Belize face legal challeng not experienced by non-LGBT cizens.

BELIZE SUPREME COURT OVERTURNS ANTI-GAY LAW

" It was argued the challenge to Sectn 53 of the Crimal Co that homosexualy per se is not illegal, but any sexual act which is not the "sexual ngrs of a phall serted to a vaga" is illegal, cludg oral sex, anal sex between heterosexual or homosexual persons, masturbatn, etc. (e) any prostute or homosexual or any person who may be livg on or receivg or may have been livg on or receivg the proceeds of prostutn or homosexual behavur". As clarifitn, the judgment noted that neher state n ban homosexuals om CARICOM untri om enterg their untri due to their treaty obligatns, "notwhstandg their laws that ban the entry of gays".

Durg the trial, Belize ntend that Sectn 5(1) of the Immigratn Act applied only to those offerg sexual servic for fancial ga, and that do not terpret or enforce the act as a blanket prohibn agast homosexual immigrants.