More C'bean countries should make buggery law illegal, says Harvey

The Caribbean regional director for the AIDS Healthcare Foundation Dr Kevin Harvey says other Caribbean countries should join Trinidad and Tobago in making the buggery law illegal.

Harvey, a former permanent secretary in Jamaica's health ministry has "applauded" Trinidad and Tobago on its ruling that Sections 13 and 16 of the Sexual Offences Act are unconstitutional.

"HIV/AIDS administrators across the Caribbean have for years been pointing out that the buggery law impedes the success of initiatives to reduce HIV/AIDS transmission and offer adequate treatment and care," said Harvey in a release Tuesday afternoon.

READ: Trinidad and Tobago Court declares buggery law illegal

He said the buggery law added to the discrimination which prevents certain groups from seeking the care and treatment they may need.

"The removal of this impediment will do a lot for efforts to redress incidents of stigma and discrimination as well as formulate and action policies against discrimination," Harvey said.

Meanwhile, Southern Bureau Chief for AIDS Healthcare Foundation Caribbean, South and Central America, Michael Kahane, said the development is significant for people in high risk groups to freely access HIV/AIDS services.

"This is a step in the right direction as it relates to reducing and eventually eliminating stigma and discrimination," he said.

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