160 The High Court in Barbados has struck out colonial-era laws that criminalised gay sex. The previous laws, while rarely invoked, demanded a life sentence for those found guilty of having consensual same-sex relations. Barbados is the third Caribbean nation to make similar reforms this year. Activists and members of the LGBTQ+ community who have fought for the change welcomed this week’s ruling, saying it promoted privacy and freedom. Local advocacy group Eastern Caribbean Alliance for Diversity and Equality (Ecade) said on Twitter the ruling “consolidates the rights of all Barbadians to privacy and freedom of expression, and impacts LGBTQ+ people across the eastern Caribbean”. You Might Be Interested In MoE to develop 52 Green Schools to boost circular economy Abu Dhabi outlines plans to accelerate climate action, strengthen the emirate’s resilience India’s G20 Presidency: A Chance to Spotlight Women-Led Development Johor provides cash aid to students affected by Segamat school hostel fire Harvard University Appoints First-Ever African-American President UAE Red Crescent, JOHUD launch refugee empowerment project