In a bit of a surprise move, the government of Barbados has announced its intention to recognise same-sex civil unions.

The intention was included in the government’s speech to open a new term of parliament.

“Barbados has always been in the vanguard of pioneering social justice, the protection of civil rights and the battle to ensure dignity to the poor, marginalised, vulnerable and dispossessed…” read the country’s Governor General. “The Government is prepared to recognise a form of civil unions for couples of the same gender so as to ensure that no human being in Barbados will be discriminated against, in exercise of civil rights that ought to be theirs.”

There are also plans for the question of Marriage Equality to be put to a public referendum at some point in the future.

Confusingly, it’s still illegal to be gay in Barbados. The potential penalty is up to life in prison. It’s not clear how the government intends to reconcile that.

There’s an acknowledgment by the government of Barbados that its historical stance on LGBTQ equality was damaging its reputation and trade relationships around the world.

Is homosexuality legal in Barbados?

No. Under the Sexual Offences Act, “buggery” – sometimes referred to as sodomy – which is a description of anal sex, is illegal and punishable by up to life imprisonment.

It appears that there have been no recent prosecutions under this law, but it remains part of the criminal code.

There is an indication from political leaders that there would be a willingness to change the law, but there is continuing resistance from evangelical religious groups.

The best of legalising homosexuality in Barbados is probably through legal appeal.

Are there anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ people in Barbados?

Yes – there is new legislation that was passed in August 2020 that extends anti-discrimination protections to LGBTQ people.

Is there Marriage Equality in Barbados?

No, there is no legal recognition of same-sex relationships.

It appears that the government is intending to make progress on this within the current parliament, with a longer-term prospect of a referendum on Marriage Equality.

What’s life like for LGBTQ people in Barbados?

Barbados is a socially conservative country. While attitudes are changing, homosexuality is still largely seen as a taboo subject.

Trans people are particularly vulnerable to harassment, assault, and violence.