Colours Caribbean

On 8 July, the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council will hear an appeal on colonial-era laws criminalising consensual same-sex intimacy in Trinidad and Tobago.

As Leo Varadkar expressed, the case raises several issues: Archaic laws imposed during colonial rule remain in force, protected by constitutional arrangements created by the UK in the same era, and to be judged in London by judges who ordinarily sit on the UK Supreme Court. Notably, no Caribbean member of the Privy Council will sit on the appeal.

It will be heard just days after London Pride, despite the fact that equivalent legislation in the UK would be incompatible with domestic and international human rights standards.

Many countries that have ended appeals to the Privy Council have seen their own courts, and the Caribbean Court of Justice, adopt more rights-protective approaches to LGBTQ+ equality. In 2026, it is fair to ask whether the continued provision by the UK of institutions and judges in such cases remains appropriate.

In any case, Colours Caribbean hopes the outcome advances dignity, equality and human rights. No one should face criminalisation because of whom they love.

Press Release A Significant Appeal Will Be Heard By The JCPC On 8 July