The privacy council in London is going to make the final decision regarding a court case aimed at removing homophobic laws in Trinidad and Tobago. The laws, which criminalized consensual anal sex, were repealed in 2018 following a high court judgment. However, the Trinidadian Supreme Court recently upheld a government appeal and reinstated the laws, causing concern for the LGBTQ+ community in the country. Jason Jones, an activist, plans to challenge this decision before the privacy council, arguing that the “savings clause” is being used against democracy. The community is feeling discouraged by this setback, and activists believe their rights are being subjected to legal scrutiny. The issue raises questions about the safety and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community in Trinidad, despite the country’s reputation for hedonism. Jones’ case has influenced similar cases in the Commonwealth, including the decriminalization of homosexuality in India. However, Trinidad’s government immediately appealed against the decision, which has now reached the country’s highest court. If the council rules in favor of the government, Jones suggests that the institution is no longer of useful service due to the limitations of the savings clause.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/04/case-trinidad-homophobic-laws-uk-privy-council