St Vincent PM addresses SVG/EU deal allegations and same-sex relations
Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr Ralph Gonsalves, has described as ‘outlandish’ claims made by commentators that SVG’s signing of the Samoa Agreement will require the country to change its laws in relation to same-sex relations and other matters of the like.
Recently, the European Union and its member states signed a partnership agreement with Members of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States. According to the EU, this agreement will succeed the Cotonou Agreement and cover subjects such as sustainable development and growth, human rights and peace and security.
Responding to concerns, Gonsalves said SVG has not signed onto any matter that demands the country to alter its legislative provisions relating to issues such as same-sex marriage or transgender rights.
The prime minister said there is no commitment for SVG to change its laws in relation to any of those matters; however, he said there is a question before the court, which will make its determination as to whether the provision within the criminal code which criminalises homosexual conduct is unconstitutional or not.
Gonsalves said the government is insisting in the courts that it is not unconstitutional and that, in any event, the court should not be the body that adjudicates --. Still, the Parliament should be dealing with that matter.
“I assure everybody that SVG, in its interface with other countries... we always respect the countries’ views and the like, but we have our determinations on particular matters, and any alteration in our existing law has to be done by the Parliament, and there is no intention for the Parliament to alter any of our positions as they are laid out in our laws in relation to the controversial questions concerning same-sex marriages and the like."
He repeated that there is an issue concerning the constitutionality of the criminalisation of homosexual activity, which is before the courts in which the government is defending the existing legislation.
“We don’t know what will be the outcome...we know in other jurisdictions in the region there have been rulings that these provisions, similar to what is in SVG’s laws, are unconstitutional... but we would like to see these matters tested at the higher level.”
He urged the public to calm down, noting the Samoa Agreement is comprehensive and intended to advance inclusiveness within human rights, gender equality, special consideration for women and girls, young people, the elderly and so on.
According to the EU, the new Partnership Agreement lays down common principles and covers the following priority areas:
- human rights, democracy and governance
- peace and security
- human and social development
- inclusive, sustainable economic growth and development
- environmental sustainability and climate change
- migration and mobility
Meanwhile, the local human rights organisation Equal Rights, Access and Opportunities SVG (ERAO SVG) also clarified that the Samoa Agreement does not mention the legalisation of abortion, same-sex relationships or transgender rights.
ERAO SVG, in a statement, encouraged all persons to guard against misinformation and to be cautious of their statements regarding issues affecting the human rights of vulnerable populations in St Vincent and the Grenadines.
ERAO SVG stated that as a human rights organisation, it encourages the State to implement all measures necessary to protect the human rights of women and LGBTQIA+ persons on SVG.
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