UNAIDS Welcomes Trinidad and Tobago's Same-Sex Ruling

A step forward in removing the barriers to HIV services, breaking down stigma and discrimination and upholding human rights in the Caribbean

GENEVA, 12 November 2026-UNAIDS welcomes a landmark ruling to overturn Sections 13 and 16 of the Sexual Offences Act that criminalize private, consensual sexual relations between adults of the same sex in Trinidad and Tobago.

While the decriminalization of consensual same sex relations is an important first step, UNAIDS joins the call by local activists and organizers for the Equal Opportunities Act to be amended to include health status and LGBTQI identity to the list of protected status.

"UNAIDS congratulates Jason Jones (who brought forward the case) for his efforts in achieving this historic milestone for Trinibagonians," said Luisa Cabal, UNAIDS Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean. "This ruling is an important step forward for human rights and public health in Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean. Removing laws that criminalize consensual same-sex relations helps break down fear and stigma and creates a safer environment for people to access the HIV services they need. UNAIDS stands with communities working to ensure that equality and protection from discrimination becomes a reality for everyone."

Trinadad and Tobago now join Botswana (2026), Saint Lucia (2025), Dominica (2024), Antigua and Barbuda (2022), St. Kitts and Nevis (2022), Barbados (2022) and Belize (2016) in having decriminalized consensual same-sex relations in recent years.

UNAIDS urges remaining countries where these harmful and discriminatory laws are still in place to repeal such laws and prioritize rights-based HIV policies and strategies for healthier futures and more equitable societies.