LGBT rights in Barbados
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in Barbados do not possess the same legal rights as non-LGBT people. In December 2022, the courts ruled Barbados' laws against buggery and "gross indecency" were unconstitutional and struck them from the Sexual Offences Act. However, there is no recognition of same-sex relationships and only limited legal protections against discrimination.
LGBT rights in Barbados | |
|---|---|
| Status | Legal since 2022 |
| Gender identity | No |
| Discrimination protections | Sexual orientation protections in employment since 2020 and by constitution since 2022 |
| Family rights | |
| Recognition of relationships | No recognition of same-sex unions |
| Adoption | No |
Because of Barbados' small population, many LGBT Barbadians choose to remain in the closet in fear that coming out would expose them to the entire country. Barbados held its first Pride Week in July 2018. Activities raising awareness and acceptance were hosted throughout the country. Pride celebrations were held again in July 2019 but did not go ahead in 2020, when numerous festivals were cancelled due to COVID-19.
In September 2020, the government announced plans to recognize "some form" of civil unions between same-sex partners, as well as hold a referendum on gay marriage. The plans were welcomed by some gay rights campaigners, but criticized by others, who felt that the civil union proposal was unnecessarily vague and the marriage referendum was likely to fail.