Country Overview
Antigua and Barbuda
At a glance
Same-sex Relations for Men Legal Throughout the Country?
Same-sex Relations for Women Legal Throughout the Country?
Legal Gender Recognition Possible?
LGBTI Orgs Able to Register?
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In 2022, same-sex sexual activity was decriminalized in Antigua and Barbuda. Sections 12 and 15 of the Sexual Offences Act 1995 were found to be unconstitutional by the High Court of Justice. This marks a significant step forward in the fight to end stigma and discrimination against LGBTIQ people. LGBTIQ organizations have developed and grown in visibility in recent years, working toward decriminalization and greater social protections while facilitating LGBTIQ sensitivity training for police and service providers. However, some politicians publicly espouse the belief that same-sex relations and gender nonconformity are immoral, and religious groups oppose progress toward LGBTIQ equality. LGBTIQ people have experienced violence, harassment, and discrimination. Social stigmatization at the hands of law enforcement and private citizens is common. Transgender people are particularly vulnerable because there is no mechanism for legal gender recognition in Antigua and Barbuda. There are no explicit anti-discrimination protections for LGBTIQ people, and they are often excluded from social protection laws and policies.
Global Impact
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Outright supports LGBTIQ organizations in Sub-Saharan Africa and works with mainstream human rights organizations to respect human rights and influence positive changes in laws, policies, attitudes and beliefs that cause discrimination against LGBTIQ people.
United Nations
Our work at the United Nations centers around advocating for the advancement of the rights of LGBTIQ people.
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Our work in the Americas continues to build on the fundamental and positive transformation of human rights protections in recent years. We partner with groups in the Caribbean that focus on ending gender-based violence and eradicating discrimination against trans people.
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