10 August 2016
Belize Decriminalises Homosexuality
Legal International
The Supreme Court of Belize struck down Section 53 of the Criminal Code, which had criminalised 'carnal intercourse against the order of nature,' a law inherited from British colonial rule. The case was brought by activist Caleb Orozco, who challenged the law as a violation of constitutional rights to dignity, privacy, and non-discrimination. The ruling was upheld on appeal in 2019.
Impact & Significance
A landmark victory in the Caribbean, where many former British colonies retained colonial-era sodomy laws, and inspired similar challenges across the region.
Reference Record
- Date
- 10 August 2016
- Era
- 2010-2019
- Sources
- 1
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Questions This Event Helps Answer
Q How did international law change LGBTQ+ rights? International law changed LGBTQ+ rights by challenging criminalisation, creating partnership recognition, protecting sexual orientation in constitutions and opening marriage equality. Q How did LGBTQ+ asylum protection develop? LGBTQ+ asylum protection developed as refugee law recognised persecution based on sexual orientation and gender identity, then tested whether asylum systems treated claimants safely and fairly. Q Which global LGBTQ+ legal wins changed rights? Major wins included decriminalisation in Mozambique, Belize, India, Botswana, Angola and Singapore, plus Thailand's marriage-equality law.
