Saint Lucia Decriminalizes Same-Sex Acts

Saint Lucia Joins Caribbean Shift: Court Overturns Gay Sex Ban in Landmark Ruling

By: Paul Goldberg, Senior Editor | JRL CHARTS – LGBT Politics South America

CASTRIES, SAINT LUCIA — (August 1, 2025) — In a landmark decision for LGBTQ+ equality across the Caribbean, the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court has struck down decades-old laws criminalizing same-sex relations in Saint Lucia, rights groups announced Tuesday.

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The ruling declared that two sections of the island nation’s Criminal Code, specifically targeting so-called “gross indecency” and “buggery,” are unconstitutional — marking a monumental legal win for advocates working to dismantle colonial-era anti-LGBTQ+ statutes.

Regional Rights Groups Celebrate

The Eastern Caribbean Alliance for Diversity and Equality (ECADE) confirmed the ruling, calling it the fourth major regional victory in the organization’s push to challenge discriminatory laws across multiple island nations.

“ECADE celebrates this historic win affirming the dignity of LGBTQ+ people in Saint Lucia,” the group posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Caribbean Momentum Builds Despite Setbacks

Saint Lucia now joins a growing number of Caribbean nations that have moved to decriminalize same-sex relations:

Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, and Saint Kitts and Nevis abolished similar bans in 2022
Dominica followed suit in 2023
Trinidad and Tobago had briefly decriminalized gay sex in 2018, but controversially reversed the decision in March 2025

While prosecution under these laws has been rare, LGBTQ+ activists argue that their existence fosters stigma, discrimination, and fear — especially for youth, queer Caribbean citizens, and those in rural communities.

Expert Insight

“This decision sends a clear message that human dignity and privacy are non-negotiable,” said one legal analyst involved in the case. “It’s not just about decriminalization — it’s about visibility, safety, and justice.”

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