Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in Saint Kitts and Nevis face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBTQIA residents. In 2022, Saint Kitts and Nevis rescinded its criminalization of homosexuality. However, the national penal code does not address discrimination or harassment on the account of sexual orientation or gender identity, nor does the law recognize same sex unions in any form, whether it be marriage or partnerships. Households headed by same-sex couples are also not eligible for any of the same rights given to opposite-sex married couples.
Following a ruling of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court on 29 August 2022, consensual same-sex intercourse between adult males, in private, is no longer illegal in Saint Kitts and Nevis.[1]
Previously, Sections 56 and 57 of the "Offences Against the Person Act" criminalized same-sex sexual activity.[2] The Court ruled that the sections violated the Saint Kitts and Nevis constitutional provisions guaranteeing a right to privacy and freedom of expression. The ruling had immediate effect.[3]
In 2011, the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis said it had “no mandate from the people” to abolish the criminalisation of homosexuality among consenting adults. However, despite the existence of the law on the books, there had been no known prosecution of same-sex sexual activity, according to the government.[4]
Social conditions
On 23 March 2005, the island of Nevis—part of the nation of Saint Kitts and Nevis—barred a cruise ship carrying 110 American passengers, mostly LGBT, from docking. A police boat halted the Source Events/Windjammer Barefoot Cruises ship and took the captain to shore for a meeting with port, police, customs and immigration officials, after which the ship was ordered to sail on. Port authority Acting General Manager Oral Brandy told reporters that Nevis does not want homosexuality "to be a part of our culture".[5]
Summary table
Same-sex sexual activity legal
(since 2022)
Equal age of consent (16)
(since 2022)
Anti-discrimination laws in employment only
Anti-discrimination laws in the provision of goods and services
Anti-discrimination laws in all other areas (Incl. indirect discrimination, hate speech)
Same-sex marriages
Recognition of same-sex couples
Step-child adoption by same-sex couples
Joint adoption by same-sex couples
Gays and lesbians allowed to serve openly in the military
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![Recognition of same-sex unions in the Lesser Antilles and Puerto Rico
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Same-sex marriage
Unregistered cohabitation
Island subject to IACHR advisory opinion
No recognition of same-sex couples
Constitutional ban on same-sex marriage
Same-sex sexual activity illegal but penalties not enforced
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