Antigua and Barbuda finally overturn anti-LGBTQI+ laws
One corner of the Caribbean is getting with the times: Earlier this week, the island nation of Antigua and Barbuda overturned many anti-LGBTQI+ laws in its Sexual Offences Act.
The law decreeing that intercourse must be between "a male person and a female person" was replaced with the word "persons" after the country’s High Court ruled much of the legislation was unconstitutional. "The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court found that 'the selection of an intimate partner is a private and a personal choice'," said the AP.
Lawmakers held that the criminalization of consensual sexual acts between same-sex, adult partners breached libertarian rights, freedom of expression, legal protection and privacy and protection from discrimination based on sex.
Campaigners hope this will begin an awakening within the nation and beyond.
“The High Court’s landmark ruling is a beacon for LGBT people in Antigua and Barbuda and other Caribbean nations, whose rights and freedoms have been stymied by these punitive laws,” said Cristian González Cabrera, LGBT rights researcher at Human Rights Watch.
“Laws criminalizing same-sex conduct, which are still in force in eight other Caribbean nations, reinforce and tacitly permit discrimination, violence and prejudice against LGBT people,” he added.
It may be surprising to some, but a number of favorite destinations among U.S. travelers don’t share the same values as many progressive European nations in regards to rights for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender visitors.
Related: Top 10 LGBTQ-friendly destinations for 2022
There are numerous amazing destinations where you can openly celebrate Pride. However, in several locations, including many hotspots in the Caribbean, LGBTQ+ visitors must exercise caution.
These archaic laws are rarely enforced in the West Indies. In fact, there are many openly LGBTQI+ people living in places such as Barbados. It's always wise to adhere to guidelines from the U.S. Department of State wherever possible, though.
The U.S. Department of State's (DOS) LGBTQI+ travel information section provides guidance on planning travel and offers information about local laws or customs.
For instance, DOS guidelines for Barbados state: "Same-sex sexual relations, even when consensual, are criminalized in Barbados. Although this law is rarely enforced, potential penalties include life imprisonment."
Juha Jarvinen, chief commercial officer for Virgin Atlantic, welcomed the decision by lawmakers to overturn outdated laws in Antigua and Barbuda.
Related: 7 documents LGBTQI+ families should always carry when traveling
“At Virgin Atlantic we believe everyone should be able to be themselves no matter who they are or who they love and we welcome this historic decision to repeal the harmful laws against same-sex intimacy,” Jarvinen said.
“We look forward to welcoming more LGBT+ travelers onboard, flying them to explore the beautiful beaches and experience the culture of Antigua," he added. "We now urge other Caribbean islands to follow in their footsteps, making themselves inclusive and welcoming to all.”
According to Virgin Atlantic, discrimination against the LGBTQI+ community costs up to $4.1 billion a year in 12 English-speaking Caribbean countries. That’s as much as 5.7% of annual GDP.
Earlier this year, travel writer Asher Ferguson published the LGBTQI+ Travel Safety Index, a list of 203 best and worst countries for LGBTQI+ travelers. Antigua and Barbuda finished 158th on the list, scoring an F, the worst possible result.
Canada took the top spot on the list, while Sweden and The Netherlands snagged second and third place, respectively. The U.K. nestled in at sixth and the U.S. came in at No. 24.
For travel resources, Pride information and additional articles, visit our LGBTQ+ Travel page.
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.