Joint Statement: OAS LGBTI Core Group Welcomes Belize’s Supreme Court Decision on Consensual Private Sexual Acts Between Adults

The Governments of Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, the United States, and Uruguay, the members of the OAS LGBTI Core Group, welcome the recent decision of Belize’s Supreme Court that found parts of the criminal code criminalizing consensual same-sex activities unconstitutional. We believe that laws that discriminate validate other forms of discrimination and violence.

We recognize that the Supreme Court of Belize has taken a historic and positive step towards full inclusion, and encourage the government of Belize and others in the region to continue common efforts to promote and protect the human rights of all people. We will continue our collaboration at the OAS on issues impacting LGBTI persons so as to enhance dialogue, cooperation, and the sharing of best practices. Combatting discrimination is a challenge every nation faces and a challenge we can all work together to overcome.