Trinidad and Tobago’s highest court strikes down colonial-era ban on gay sex

Trinidad and Tobago’s highest court has overturned laws that criminalised consensual same-sex relations between adults, restoring a key victory for LGBTQ+ rights. The decision ends a long legal dispute over colonial-era restrictions and makes clear that constitutional rights protect private relationships.

The case was brought by Jason Jones, who challenged provisions of the 1986 Sexual Offences Act. The Privy Council in London, which serves as Trinidad and Tobago’s final court of appeal, ruled that the provisions must be interpreted in line with the constitution; similar colonial-era laws remain in force in some Caribbean countries.