At a glance
Overview
The colonial era “Offences Against The Person Act” outlaws same-sex relations between men, prescribing a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment (colloquially known as the ‘buggery law’). Although these laws are rarely enforced, they provide legal cover for police to harass and target LGBTIQ people. Though these laws do not explicitly mention gender identity or expression, law enforcement officials often conflate gender identity with sexual orientation. St. Kitts and Nevis remains a conservative country where Christian Churches play a significant role in shaping societal attitudes towards LGBTIQ people. As a result, societal opinion of LGBTIQ people is mostly negative and LGBTIQ people are subject to threats, violent attacks, discrimination, harassment, and social stigmatization. LGBTIQ peoples’ family members are a major source of discrimination and rejection.