253 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 Taliban Bans Women and Families from Herat Province’s Garden Restaurants Japan is Aiming to increase women’s leadership in the corporate sector Pfizer’s ABRYSVO Shows Promise in Phase 3 Study for RSV Prevention Taiwan’s Legislature Grants Same-Sex Couples Joint Adoption Rights Johor provides cash aid to students affected by Segamat school hostel fire Under Armour Inc ropes in veteran hotelier Stephanie Linnartz as CEO
