Hon. Rayburn Blackmoore, the minister responsible for the Ministry of National Security and Legal Affairs, recently addressed public misconceptions regarding the legal status of buggery in Dominica following a significant court ruling. During a press conference, Blackmoore emphasized that despite beliefs to the contrary, buggery remains a criminal offense under the nation’s laws, specifically pointing to sections 14 and 16 of the Sexual Offences Act.
Blackmoore clarified that the recent High Court decision did not decriminalize buggery outright but instead deemed certain applications of the Sexual Offences Act unconstitutional, specifically those that unfairly penalized consensual same-sex activities in private.
The court’s decision recognized the rights of consenting adults to engage in private sexual activities without fear of legal repercussions, marking a pivotal moment for human rights in Dominica.
However, the minister stressed that the law still serves to protect minors and non-consenting individuals from sexual offenses. According to current legislation, buggery involving minors or non-consenting adults remains strictly punishable, with severe penalties in place to enforce these protections.
Blackmoore further explained that the misconceptions likely stem from a misunderstanding of the court’s scope of decision. The ruling applies explicitly to consensual acts in private settings, not public spaces or situations involving coercion or minors.
He reiterated that any non-consensual acts or those involving minors are prosecutable offenses, with buggery involving minors carrying a sentence of up to 25 years imprisonment.
While respecting the privacy rights of its citizens, the minister’s clarification aims to ensure that the public understands the legal boundaries and the continued seriousness of sexual offences under Dominican law.
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