Sri Lanka Supreme Court clears way to decriminalize homosexuality
The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka has approved a bill seeking to decriminalize homosexuality, according to the Speaker of Parliament, in a move welcomed by LGBTQ+ rights campaigners. Homosexuality is still criminal by imprisonment and fines under current laws, however activists have long advocated for change. The Supreme Court determined that the proposed measure was not unconstitutional after hearing arguments from both sides.
| Article and Schedule Quiz | Start Test! |
Sri Lanka Supreme Court clears way to decriminalise homosexuality: Key Points
• While campaigners view the decision as a positive step, the bill must still win support from parliamentarians before it can become law.
• The current law punishes homosexuality with a prison sentence and a fine. The Supreme Court heard petitions from both sides of the argument and ruled that the bill was not unconstitutional.
The decision has been hailed as a "historic development," but advocates of the bill must now gain the backing of legislators. The government and opposition have yet to respond.
