Equal Rights in Trinidad & Tobago

We represented Jason Jones, a Trinidad-born and UK-based LGBT activist, in his constitutional challenge against the Attorney General and Government of Trinidad & Tobago. We sought the removal of sections 13 and 16 of the Sexual Offences Act of 1986, which purported to criminalize adult consensual same sex relationships.

In deciding the case, the Honourable Justice Devindra Rampersad stated, “The court declares that sections 13 and 16 of the Act are unconstitutional, illegal, null, void, invalid and are of no effect to the extent that these laws criminalize any acts constituting consensual sexual conduct between adults.”

The case and associated publicity have been instrumental in providing encouragement to millions worldwide who support LGBT rights. The case is one that could set the tone for future decisions in many countries and jurisdictions.