LGBT rights in Jamaica
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons in Jamaica face legal and social issues not experienced by non-LGBT people. Consensual sexual intercourse between same-sex partners is legally punishable by imprisonment.
LGBT rights in Jamaica | |
|---|---|
| Status | Illegal |
| Penalty | Up to 10 years in prison with hard labour; (not enforced, legalization proposed) |
| Gender identity | None |
| Discrimination protections | None |
| Family rights | |
| Recognition of relationships | None |
| Restrictions | Same-sex marriage is constitutionally banned since 2011 (ban challenged in courts) |
| Adoption | No |
Jamaica has long held strongly conservative views towards homosexuality, with recent polls stating that the majority of Jamaicans are against the acceptance of homosexuality. Most of the population is affiliated with Christianity and the Rastafari movement, which have both encouraged negative feelings towards homosexuality. Discrimination and violence against LGBT persons are very common and LGBT people in Jamaica often remain closeted to avoid discrimination or harassment. In 2006, Time magazine labelled Jamaica "the most homophobic place on Earth", and in 2013 the majority of LGBT people in the country said they were subject to homophobic violence in public.
The government of Jamaica said in 2012 that it "is committed to the equal and fair treatment of its citizens and affirms that any individual whose rights are alleged to have been infringed has a right to seek redress." The government also claimed that "there is no legal discrimination against persons on the grounds of their sexual orientation" though there is widespread homophobia and a sodomy law (The Offenses Against the Person Act of 1864) that is still in effect.