Opening arguments in Belize anti-sodomy law hearing urge court to uphold constitution
The Supreme Court in Belize today began its hearing on whether or not to strike down a law criminalising gay sex, with testimony from an attorney who urged the court to uphold the country’s constitution, and the fundamental rights it represents for all citizens.
Under the Central American countryās code, gay citizens currently face a penalty of up to ten yearsā imprisonment.
Section 53 states: āEvery person who has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any person or animal shall be liable to imprisonment for ten years.ā
The United Belize Advocacy Movement, UNIBAM, is part of a constitutional challenge to overturn the ban onĀ same-sex sexual activity, in the case of Caleb Orozco v the Attorney General of Belize.
Chris Hamel-Smith, the lead counsel for claimant MrĀ Orozco, urged the court to look carefully at the constitution, citing the right to privacy, home and family life, and the recognition of human dignity of every individual.
The Trinidad and Tobego attorney argued that Section 53 discriminates against sexual minorities, and urged the court to find Section 53 inconsistent with theĀ constitution.
Ultimately, the Constitution requires ārespect for individual conscience, respect forĀ diversity of ways of being, respect for diversity of world-views and diversity of views,ā said Hamel-Smith.
āBe not afraid. We do not come here to advocate a world view that disrespects orĀ forces or imposes anything onā¦[your] community,ā Hamel-Smith said in addressing arguments of the supremacy of God.
He added: āthis case is aboutā¦the nature of the open, democratic and pluralistic society contemplated by the Belize Constitution.ā
The court was full to capacity on Tuesday, with attorneysĀ representingĀ Orozco, the Attorney General, and other interested parties, and press.
The court hearing is set to last from 7 ā 10 May. Advocates of the measure will be usingĀ the hashtag #UNIBAM to track its progress.
