Anjali Sharma
GG News Bureau
UNITED NATIONS, 27th Feb. UN Programme on HIV/AIDS UNAIDS on Monday expressed deep concern over St. Vincent and the Grenadines after a recent High Court verdict that upholds discriminatory laws against the LGBTQ community.
UNAIDS expressed concerns over the court’s justification, cited the protection of public health and efforts to combat the HIV epidemic, for maintaining punitive measures against the LGBTQ population.
UNAIDS emphasized that evidence indicates such laws run counter to sound public health policies, or effectively addressing the HIV crisis.
It underscored the detrimental impact of a punitive legal environment, particularly the criminalization of same-sex relationships, which drives individuals underground and away from crucial health services, including HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and care.
UNAIDS said that “To achieve the goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, it is vital to ensure that everyone has equal access to essential services without fear, stigma, or discrimination”.
High Court rejected a claim brought by two Vincentian nationals residing outside the country on February 16.
The claim challenged sections 146 and 148 of the Criminal Code which criminalize “buggery” between any two persons, carrying a penalty of up to 10 years imprisonment, the agency noted..
The court ruled that these provisions did not violate fundamental rights to privacy, personal liberty, freedom of conscience, freedom of expression, and protection from discrimination.
It dismissed all claims and imposed a prescribed cost of East Caribbean Dollars 7,500 on each claimant, payable to the Attorney General.
