29/07/2025
DESEA Statement: Saint Lucia LGBTQ+ Victory Marks a Transformational Moment
(Roseau, July 29, 2025) The Dominica Equality & Sexual Expression Association (DESEA) proudly joins in celebration with communities across the Eastern Caribbean following today’s landmark ruling by the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court. We extend heartfelt congratulations to the people of Saint Lucia, to ECADE, and to United and Strong for their bold and unwavering pursuit of justice.
This declaration that sections 132 and 133 of Saint Lucia’s Criminal Code violate fundamental Constitutional rights represents far more than a legal win. It is a reaffirmation of human dignity, a restoration of rights, and a moment of renewed hope for LGBTQ+ individuals across our region.
"Today’s decision reminds us that progress is built not only through persistence, but through the courage to challenge the status quo. DESEA celebrates this victory as a Caribbean affirmation of liberty, protection, and belonging."
We commend the claimants, the legal advocates, and every community member whose stories, truth, and resistance laid the foundation for this success. As part of the ongoing regional movement for decriminalization and inclusion from Antigua and Barbuda to Saint Kitts and Nevis, Barbados, Dominica, and now Saint Lucia this judgment sends a clear message: our Eastern Caribbean is ready to embrace equality.
DESEA remains committed to standing with our LGBTQ+ family across borders, advocating for policies and partnerships that make safety, care, and dignity a lived reality.
Let justice ripple beyond this moment and into every life still waiting for it.
For media inquiries, please contact:
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http://dlgbtic.org/
About DESEA:
Dominica Equality & Sexual Expression Association (DESEA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for the rights and well-being of the LGBTQ+ community in Dominica. DESEA works towards fostering an inclusive society that respects and celebrates diversity.
ECADE welcomes this historic decision affirming the dignity and humanity of LGBTQ+ individuals in Saint Lucia. It marks the fourth major decision in a regional, five-country legal challenge led by ECADE since 2020, following similar rulings in Antigua and Barbuda (June 2022), Saint Kitts and Nevis (August 2022) and Barbados (December 2022).
