Violence against LGBTQ people in Belize

Christian right influence is deemed a primary reason for violence against LGBTQ people in Belize

LGBTQ people in Belize are particularly vulnerable to physical and non-physical violence, both from non-state and state actors. All physical (and some non-physical) forms of such violence are criminalised, but victims face multiple barriers to redress. Some non-physical forms are rather state-sanctioned and lawful. Most violence is thought to be driven by anti-LGBTQ prejudice (homophobia, biphobia, transphobia), which in turn is thought to be mainly stoked by the Christian right, Christian fundamentalism, or toxic masculinity. Such violence is deemed significantly detrimental to the health and welfare of over 22,000 LGBTQ individuals (including families with children) in the country. ^[1]

History

Violence against LGBTQ people may not have been so widespread in precolonial days, as buccaneers-turned-Baymen are thought to have been relatively liberal towards same-sex intimacy (ostensibly due to the scarcity of women back then). ^[2] Early Maya and Creole Baymen may have been similarly tolerant (ostensibly due to possibly liberal Mesoamerican and West African customs prior to European contact). ^[3] The establishment of Christian parishes in 1776 (Anglican, then others), ^[4] replacement of Baymen's custom with British common law in 1840, ^[5] and passing of the Criminal Code Act 1888 would have likely quashed any such tolerance by the late 19th century by formally criminalising non-heteronormative acts and expressions. ^[6] This state of lawful intolerance of and violence towards LGBTQ Belizeans is thought to have remained unchallenged through the 20th and into the 21st century.

The 2000s saw the country's earliest efforts to curb anti-LGBTQ violence, beginning with the founding of UNIBAM in 2006. Notable amongst these have been the 2013 gender policy, ^[7] public pride celebrations since 2015, the successful UNIBAM case in 2016, ^[8] Belize's acceptance of most LGBTQ-related UN UPR recommendations in 2018, ^[9] and the 2020 Equal Opportunities Bill. ^[10]

Types

Overt acts of violence against LGBTQ people by private citizens have been illegal since Belize's founding (as with overtly violent acts against any person), and seem to be frowned upon across the West Indies today (2020s). Such offences are nonetheless not unheard of, with LGBTQ Belizeans being subjected to physical or sexual assaults, and even murders. ^[11] For instance, UNIBAM recorded "over 80 murders of LGBT persons" in 1995–2021. ^[12] LGBTQ Belizeans are further subject to not-so-overt acts of violence, including verbal harrassment, emotional abuse, deprivation of services (housing, schooling, employment, healthcare), and exclusion from spaces (family, social, religious, business). ^[13] Altogether, a 2022 ReportOUT (UK charity) poll found 88 percent of LGBTQ Belizeans had experienced some form of violence, mostly verbal abuse (30 percent), online abuse (24), threats of violence (20), and violent physical or sexual assaults (11 percent). ^[14] Similarly, CVC (Jamaican charity) recorded 50 physical and non-physical violent incidents against LGBTQ people in Belize in 2018–2022 (mostly gender-based violence, physical abuse, verbal abuse, emotional abuse, in descending order), most of which occurred in the community or workplace, with victims overwhelmingly opting to forego official action against perpetrators. ^[15] This compared to 189 such incidents recorded by CVC for 2013–2018 (mostly physical violence, verbal harrassment, in descending order). ^[16]

State violence against LGBTQ citizens takes both physical (police brutality) and non-physical (police harrassment; abuse of authority; deprivation of rights, liberties, services) forms. For instance, eight percent of LGBTQ Belizeans reported having experienced police brutality in a 2022 poll, while a further thirteen percent reported having been blackmailed by police, and eight percent having been harrassed or harmed by other state actors (armed forces, social services). ^[17] Similarly, though Section 53 of the Criminal Code Act 1981 ostensibly applied to "every person who has carnal intercourse against the order of nature", the Supreme Court found in 2016 that the Crown had used it to disproportionately target LGBTQ people. ^[18] As of 2024, various of the rights, liberties, and services afforded to non-LGBTQ citizens are lawfully denied to their LGBTQ peers. ^[19]

Causes

Prejudice against LGBTQ people is widely deemed the primary cause of violence against them. Belizean society today (2020s) still presents relatively widespread levels of prejudice towards their LGBTQ members. Since the 2000s, the country has consistently scored in the 4–5 range (representing relatively middling acceptance of LGBTQ people) in the Global Acceptance Index (a standardised aggregate of global polls on attitudes towards LGBTQ people) by the Williams Institute. ^[20] A 2022 ReportOUT (UK charity) poll found only 16 percent of LGBTQ Belizeans were comfortable being openly themselves amongst their religious community, compared to with healthcare staff (37 percent), employers (45), family (69), and close friends (89 percent). ^[14] On the upside, some surveys indicate possibly diminishing prejudice. ^[21] For instance, a 2023 LAPOP poll found only 53 percent of Belizeans strongly disapproved of gay marriage (down from highs of 83 and 82 percent in 2012 and 2014, respectively), while only 37 percent strongly disapproved of gay candidates for office (down from highs of 59 and 67 percent in 2012 and 2014, respectively). ^[22] Early 2010s polls found similarly heightened levels of anti-LGBTQ sentiment as the early LAPOP surveys. A 2013 CADRES (Barbadian company) poll found 25 and 14 percent of Belizean men and women (respectively) hated gay people (when asked whether they "accept, tolerate or hate homosexuals", these respondents selected hate), while 47 and 28 percent of them (men and women respectively) would not socialise with gay people. ^[23] Similarly, a 2012 CARICOM poll found 81 percent of West Indian (including Belizean) teens "indicated that homosexuality was looked upon negatively by them". ^[24]

Theories on what drives anti-LGBTQ prejudice in Belize vary. For West Indian (including Belizean) men, Rosina Wiltshire (of the aforementioned 2012 CARICOM poll) suggested their significantly greater (than women's) prejudice might stem from their (strongly socially-reinforced) fear of being ridiculed as sissies , and thus of being deemed not real men. ^[25] Authors of the 2013 CADRES study drew similar conclusions from their comparable findings. ^[26] A similar mechanism ( machismo ) has been suggested for Mestizo men. ^[27] More generally though (for Belizean men and women), some studies have suggested that the Crown (via discriminatory laws, policies, practices) and influential personalities and institutions in politics, media, and culture (via rhetoric) both sanction and foster such prejudice. ^[28] Further contributing factors may include HIV/AIDS stigma, classism, ignorance or misunderstanding of LGBTQ topics. ^[29] Nevertheless, the most often cited driver of anti-LGBTQ prejudice is religious (specifically Christian right or fundamentalist) intolerance or zealotry. ^[30]

Further causes of violence against LGBTQ people may include domestic or intimate partner violence. ^[31]

Polls

Polls on Belizean attitudes towards LGBTQ people

Date	Question	- [32]	+ [33]
2023	How strongly do you approve or disapprove of same-sex couples having the right to marry? 1,502 Belizean adults; 1 (strongly disapprove) to 3 is -; 8 to 10 (strongly approve) is +; 4–7 not shown	63	18	[22]
2023	How strongly do you approve or disapprove of homosexuals being permitted to run for public office? 720 Belizean adults; 1 (strongly disapprove) to 3 is -; 8 to 10 (strongly approve) is +; 4–7 not shown	48	24	[22]
2022	Have you experienced some form of abuse, threat or attack? 50 LGBTQ Belizean teens and adults; yes is -; no is +	88	12	[34]
2022	How widespread or rare is offensive language towards LGBTQ individuals? 50 LGBTQ Belizean teens and adults; very widespread and fairly widespread are -; fairly rare and very rare are +	55	45	[35]
2022	How widespread or rare is offensive language towards LGBTQ individuals from religious leaders? 50 LGBTQ Belizean teens and adults; very widespread and fairly widespread are -; fairly rare and very rare are +	77	23	[35]
2022	How widespread or rare is offensive language towards LGBTQ individuals in media? 50 LGBTQ Belizean teens and adults; very widespread and fairly widespread are -; fairly rare and very rare are +	50	50	[35]
2021	From what you have seen and heard, how do you think gay people are treated in Belize these days? 600 Belizean adult voters; they have special rights, they have equal rights, they are treated just like everyone else are -; they have to fear for their safety and they are treated unfairly are +; don't know not shown	28	69	[36]
2021	How likely are you to support anti-discrimination efforts based on the statement, "Nobody should be fired from their job or kicked out of their home just because they are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender"? 600 Belizean adult voters; not likely at all and not too likely are -; somewhat likely and very likely are +; don't know not shown	32	66	[37]
2020	From what you have seen and heard, how do you think gay people are treated in Belize these days? 616 Belizean adult voters; they have special rights, they have equal rights, they are treated just like everyone else are -; they have to fear for their safety and they are treated unfairly are +; don't know not shown	22	68	[38]
2020	How likely are you to support anti-discrimination efforts based on the statement, "Nobody should be fired from their job or kicked out of their home just because they are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender"? 616 Belizean adult voters; not likely at all and not too likely are -; somewhat likely and very likely are +; don't know not shown	31	63	[39]
2020	Would you mind having a homosexual person as a neighbour? 616 Belizean adult voters; would not like is -; would not mind is +; don't know not shown	23	62	[40]
2020	Would you mind having a transgender person as a neighbour? 616 Belizean adult voters; would not like is -; would not mind is +; don't know not shown	19	62	[40]
2014	How strongly do you approve or disapprove of same-sex couples having the right to marry? 1,522 Belizean adults; 1 (strongly disapprove) to 3 is -; 8 to 10 (strongly approve) is +; 4–7 not shown	89	5	[22]
2014	How strongly do you approve or disapprove of homosexuals being permitted to run for public office? 1,509 Belizean adults; 1 (strongly disapprove) to 3 is -; 8 to 10 (strongly approve) is +; 4–7 not shown	76	12	[22]
2013	Would you hang-out in public with homosexuals? 402 Belizean adult women; no is -; yes is +	28	72	[41]
2013	Would you hang-out in public with homosexuals? 371 Belizean adult men; no is -; yes is +	47	53	[41]
2013	Do you accept, tolerate or hate homosexuals? 402 Belizean adult women; hate is -; accept and tolerate are +	14	86	[42]
2013	Do you accept, tolerate or hate homosexuals? 371 Belizean adult men; hate is -; accept and tolerate are +	25	75	[42]
2012	How strongly do you approve or disapprove of same-sex couples having the right to marry? 735 Belizean adults; 1 (strongly disapprove) to 3 is -; 8 to 10 (strongly approve) is +; 4–7 not shown	88	4	[22]
2012	How strongly do you approve or disapprove of homosexuals being permitted to run for public office? 1,468 Belizean adults; 1 (strongly disapprove) to 3 is -; 8 to 10 (strongly approve) is +; 4–7 not shown	65	17	[22]
2012	Can a real man be homosexual? 202 Belizean second to sixth formers; no is -; yes is +; don't know not shown	72	17	[43]
2010	How strongly do you approve or disapprove of same-sex couples having the right to marry? 1,445 Belizean adults; 1 (strongly disapprove) to 3 is -; 8 to 10 (strongly approve) is +; 4–7 not shown	79	13	[22]
2010	How strongly do you approve or disapprove of homosexuals being permitted to run for public office? 1,432 Belizean adults; 1 (strongly disapprove) to 3 is -; 8 to 10 (strongly approve) is +; 4–7 not shown	58	23	[22]

Legacy

Violence against LGBTQ people is deemed detrimental to their mental and physical health, safety of person, and financial security. ^[44] These negative outcomes are most acute amongst the most vulnerable classes within the LGBTQ community, like transgender people, HIV/AIDS patients, detainees. ^[45]

A number of measures (both official and unofficial) have been taken in an effort to curb said violence. Notable examples include the work of various LGBTQ charities (public awareness, political advocacy, support services), ^[46] that of several allied organisations (women's, HIV/AIDS, human rights), and even that of official bodies (several). As of 2022 though, a majority (57 percent) of LGBTQ Belizeans did not agree that there were enough support services available to them, with a further one in five reporting they had no support network (not even informal, like friends or family). ^[47]

In popular culture, this sort of violence first gained visibility via news coverage of the late 2010 filing of the UNIBAM case, followed by heated debate for and against LGBTQ rights in 2011. In scholarship, violence against LGBTQ Belizeans remains mostly within the purview of grey literature (like NGO reports).

Timeline

Timeline of violent incidents against LGBTQ people in Belize

Date	Place	P [48]	Description
26 Mar 2025	Belmopan	No	People's Constitution Commission circulate their proposed recommendations, some of which allegedly (per UNIBAM) are "filled with religious propaganda that mirrors white conservative values in the US" and "further marginalises the LGBT population [among others]".	[49]
10 Jul 2024	Belize City	Yes	Joseph Budna (43) is allegedly verbally and physically assaulted by a homophobic guard at the Novelos Bus Terminal.	[50]
Jan 2024	–	No	A mentally handicapped man is harrassed (including homophobic slurs) by several policemen at a police station.	[51]
Jan 2023	Belize City	Yes	Tanya Lopez (37; lesbian) is allegedly harrassed and physically assaulted "for several months" by neighbours on King Street, whereupon police refuse to file a report.	[52]
19 Dec 2022	San Pedro, Belize	Yes	Aron Castillo (28) is allegedly beaten by three men hurling homophobic slurs in San Pedrito.	[53]
Jan 2022	Belmopan	No	Minister of Religious Affairs Henry Charles Usher states their newly-created portfolio will "merg[e] the public service with [...] Christian fundamental principles".	[54]
15 Jul 2021	San Pedro, Belize	Yes	Shanira Perez (Our Circle employee) is stabbed at a queer pride event on Seagrape Drive, allegedly by a colleague.	[55]
28 Feb 2021	Belize City	Yes	Joshua Flowers (22; gay) is accidentally shot with a rubber bullet by police, who do not rush him to hospital.	[56]
Jul 2020	Belmopan	No	Attorneys Lisa Shoman and Westmin James (who had represented Caleb Orozco in the UNIBAM case) are appointed to the Supreme Court, sparking backlash from the Evangelical Association for their alleged pro-LGBTQ stance.	[57]
5 Apr 2020	Belize City	Yes	Ulysease Roca Terry (25; gay fashion designer) is allegedly brutalised by homophobic police whilst detained at the Racoon Street Police Station, possibly contributing to his 19 April death in Willows Bank, Belize.	[58]
Jan 2020	Belmopan	No	Government propose the Equal Opportunities Bill, sparking backlash from the Evangelical Association and the Christian right for its inclusion of the LGBTQ community as a protected class.	[59]
12 Jan 2020	Orange Walk, Orange Walk	No	The tomb of Emil Escalante (27; openly queer decedent) in the San Antonio Road cemetery is vandalised and his body exhumed.	[60]
30 Dec 2019	Belize City	No	Court of Appeals uphold Supreme Court's decision in the UNIBAM case, sparking backlash from the Evangelical Association and Christian right.	[61]
4 Nov 2019	Orange Walk, Orange Walk	Yes	Emil Escalante (27; openly queer) is beaten (struck over head), possibly contributing to his two-month coma and 9 January death at the Northern Regional Hospital from brain toxoplasmosis.	[62]
Oct 2019	Belize City	Yes	An ostensibly queer man caught being intimate with another man is allegedly beaten (struck by stick; punched; kicked) by a third man in St Martin de Porres.	[63]
30 Jun 2019	Caye Caulker	Yes	Ralph Gillett (ostensibly gay police constable) is allegedly brutalised by police (unsanctioned sleeper hold) and verbally harrassed by homophobic passengers during an altercation in a water taxi.	[64]
25 Sep 2018	Ontario, Cayo	Yes	Gerardo Vasquez (17) goes missing and is purportedly murdered (his severed legs are found down the Belize River a few days later), allegedly for being gay.	[65]
Apr 2018	Belize City	No	Stevedore activist Raymond Rivers disrupts (shouting; chair-slamming) a talk by attorney Lisa Shoman at the Christian Workers' Union AGM, allegedly due to its LGBTQ topic.	[66]
Oct 2017	Petion-Ville, Haiti	No	"Several" LGBTQ Haitians are denied visitor visas to Belize, allegedly because their applications "were dropped off by a trans[gender person]".	[67]
21 Jun 2017	Belmopan	No	US Embassy hoist a rainbow flag, sparking backlash from the Evangelical Association and Christian right.	[68]
Feb 2017	San Pedro, Belize	Yes	Jose Felix Ayuso (44; beauty salon proprietor and HIV/AIDS activist) is murdered on Jew Fish and Seaweed Streets for alleged homosexual advances (or sexual assault).	[69]
Jan 2017	Belmopan	No	Evangelical Association petition US president-elect Donald Trump for a US Ambassador to Belize who "is more for family values, Biblical family views, man and woman".	[70]
19 Dec 2016	New York, US	No	Belize vote to appoint Vitit Muntarbhorn as UN expert on sexual orientation and gender identity, sparking backlash from Belize Action.	[71]
Nov 2016	Belmopan	No	Youth Minister Patrick Faber threatens to rescind BDF lieutenant and LGBTQ activist Derricia Castillo's 2016 Youth Award for claiming it had been "awarded for their work with the LGBT community".	[72]
22 Oct 2016	Belmopan	No	House Speaker Michael Peyrefitte calls for tolerance ("if you can take a six inch **** in your *** then you can take this song in your soul") of Buju Banton's "Boom Bye Bye", a song explicitly calling for battymen (gay men) to be shot and killed.	[73]
17 Aug 2016	Belize City	Yes	Noel Garcia (39; ostensibly gay) is physically assaulted on North Front Street, allegedly by his boyfriend.	[74]
10 Aug 2016	Belize City	No	Supreme Court rule in favour of Caleb Orozco in the UNIBAM case, prompting Christian right backlash and protests (Belmopan on 23 and 26 and 30 August), including from various civil society groups (unions, political parties, and others).	[75]
Jun 2016	Belmopan	No	National Youth Council (government's youth wing) remove gender as a protected class from their constitution over fears "the term was too open to interpretation", after which Jamal Swaso (Council district president) posts an allegedly homophobic meme on social media.	[76]
23 Jun 2016	Belmopan	No	US Embassy hoist a rainbow flag, sparking backlash from the Evangelical Association and Christian right.	[77]
12 Jun 2016	Belize City	No	A Buttonwood Bay Medical pharmacist (among others, allegedly) calls the anti-LGBTQ Pulse nightclub shooting "justified".	[78]
3 Jun 2016	Independence, Stann Creek	Yes	Vanessa Champagne Paris (21; openly transgender) dies of (allegedly intentional) food poisoning after a 1 June visit to Dangriga, Stann Creek.	[79]
18 Jun 2015	San Pedro, Belize	No	Caribbean Villas announce queer pride celebrations for 5–12 September, sparking backlash from the Christian right.	[80]
19 Aug 2014	Belize City	No	Amandala blame Caleb Orozco and UNIBAM for recent anti-LGBTQ attacks in Southside, noting "in the streets, our position is that we will do what we have to do when we have to do it".	[81]
5 Aug 2014	Belize City	Yes	Caleb Orozco (40) is verbally and physically assaulted by a neighbour on Ziricote Street.	[82]
24 Jun 2014	Belmopan	No	Belize Can protest US ambassador Carlos Moreno for their alleged pro-LGBTQ stance.	[83]
17 Jun 2014	Belmopan	No	Belize Can protest government's gender policy.	[84]
10 Jun 2014	Belmopan	Yes	Vanessa Champagne Paris (19; openly transgender) is robbed and possibly harrassed on Ambergris Avenue.	[85]
23 May 2014	Belize City	No	Belize Action and Christians protest the ousting of UWI professor Brendon Bain due to backlash against his allegedly anti-LGBTQ deposition in the UNIBAM case.	[86]
8 Apr 2014	Belize City	Yes	Vanessa Champagne Paris (18; openly transgender) is stoned by a mob of men on Vernon Street.	[87]
4 Mar 2014	Belize City	No	Catholic bishop Dorick Wright denounces a 6 March women's rally over fears it is part of a "wider agenda" for "abortion and same-sex relations".	[88]
3 Mar 2014	Belize City	No	Catholic bishop Dorick Wright blacklists various NGOs (including UNIBAM) from parish schools due to their "agenda of sodomy, abortion, and sexual gender redefinition".	[89]
12 Jan 2014	Belize City	Yes	Cenida Ramos (18; openly transgender) is murdered on Elston Kerr Street.	[90]
Oct 2013	Belmopan	No	A Criminal Code Act amendment is considered in committee, prompting Christian opposition over fears it might decrimialise consensual same-sex intimacy.	[91]
20 Aug 2013	Belmopan	No	Belize Can protest the UNIBAM case and UB's new gender studies department.	[92]
20 Jul 2013	Orange Walk, Orange Walk	No	The Miss Gay Goddess Belize 2013 pageant is forced to relocate to a private venue in Belize City over safety concerns.	[93]
Jul 2013	–	No	Christians hold nationwide anti-LGBTQ marches (Orange Walk on 2 July, Punta Gorda on 5 July, Cayo on 9 July, Dangriga on 13 July, Belize on 16 July, Corozal on 20 July), prompting some allegations of fostering hate crimes (for instance, by hanging an effigy labelled UNIBAM ).	[94]
May 2013	Belmopan	No	Government introduce a revised gender policy, sparking Christian opposition over their alleged "bending to the agenda of the LGBT population in Belize".	[95]
May 2013	Belmopan	No	Oceana VP Audrey Matura-Shepherd links being gay to bestiality in her Amandala column.	[96]
8 May 2013	Belize City	No	Caleb Orozco (39) receives death threats and has his residence and vehicle vandalised and burgled.	[97]
Dec 2012	Belize City	No	Jamaican LGBTQ activist Maurice Tomlinson declines a UNIBAM workshop invitation over fears of being barred entry due to Belize's Immigration Act.	[98]
8 Dec 2012	Santa Elena, Cayo	Yes	Carla Pamela Perez (34; ostensibly gay) is murdered on Carillo Puerto Avenue, allegedly by her girlfriend.	[99]
3 Dec 2012	Belize City	No	Council of Churches protest the UNIBAM case.	[100]
23 Nov 2012	Belize City	No	Council of Churches protest the UNIBAM case.	[100]
8 Sep 2012	Belmopan	No	Domestic Banks & Financial Institutions Act 2012 passed, sparking Christian opposition over the Act's definition of spouse possibly including same-sex spouses.	[101]
18 Jun 2012	Belize City	Yes	Ivan Garcia (52; ostensibly gay physician) is murdered on Guava Street, allegedly by his boyfriend or over homosexual advances.	[102]
8 Feb 2012	Belize City	Yes	Caleb Orozco (38) is verbally and physically assaulted (broken teeth; severe bruising on face) by a mob of men on Dean and West Streets.	[103]
Dec 2011	–	No	Amandala , Plus TV, and Christian right groups protest a Ministry of Education and US Peace Corps teacher's manual for "promoting [...] the homosexual agenda" to primary school students.	[104]
9 Dec 2011	Belize City	No	Amandala accuse UNIBAM of "divid[ing] Belize".	[105]
28 Nov 2011	Orange Walk, Orange Walk	No	Northern Star call local LGBTQ activists and allies "anti-Belizean".	[106]
Nov 2011	Belize City	No	Belize Action protest the UNIBAM case.	[107]
13 Sep 2011	Belmopan	No	Minister of Works Anthony Martinez states, "that [the act criminalising homosexuality] is a law made from the Bible [...] God made a man and a woman, man has what woman wants, and woman has what man wants, it’s as simple as that. I’ll fight tooth and nail to keep that law".	[108]
Jun 2011	Belmopan	No	Belize Action call on Belizeans to "stand up against the homosexual agenda".	[109]
5 Jun 2011	Santa Elena, Cayo	No	Star call on readers to join Belize Action "against the homosexual agenda".	[110]
18 May 2011	–	No	Council of Churches and Association of Evangelical Churches accuse the "homosexual agenda" of "targeting our children".	[111]
11 Apr 2011	Piarco, Trinidad	No	Mia Quetzal (Belizean transgender activist) is allegedly harrassed by immigration officers at Piarco International Airport.	[112]
26 Jul 2010	Carolina, Corozal	Yes	Philip Moses Hall (41; possibly gay) is murdered off Northern Highway, allegedly over homosexual advances.	[113]
30 May 2010	Corozal, Corozal	Yes	Elena Amador (21) is murdered on Third Street North and Sixth Avenue, allegedly for keeping LGBTQ friends or attending a drag show on 29 May.	[114]
14 May 2010	Belize City	Yes	Francis Figueroa (27) is murdered on Vernon Street by an attacker allegedly hurling homophobic (and other) insults.	[115]
1 Oct 2009	Belmopan	No	An openly transgender girl (19), born Jose Garcia, is expelled and threatened with arrest by Baptist High.	[116]
22 Aug 2009	Belize City	Yes	Leroy Rhaburn (28) is murdered on Euphrates Avenue and Cemetery Road, allegedly upon implying his attacker was gay.	[117]
13 Feb 2009	Orange Walk, Orange Walk	Yes	Enrique Castillo (44; openly gay) is murdered on Belize-Corozal Road, allegedly by his boyfriend.	[118]
29 Dec 2007	Corozal, Corozal	Yes	Kenny Elidor Ramirez (20; allegedly gay) is murdered on Ninth Street.	[119]
17 Nov 2007	San Joaquin, Corozal	Yes	Eugenio Tzul (49) is murdered for alleged homosexual advances (or sexual assault).	[120]
21 May 2007	Belize City	No	Amandala link being gay to paedophilia and bestiality.	[121]
2 Sep 2006	Belize City	Yes	A tear gas canister is detonated amidst Carnival goers at the Marion Jones Stadium, allegedly an attack on the festivities' "pervasive homosexual culture".	[122]
16 May 2004	Belize City	No	Catholic bishop Dorick Wright calls for churches' "right to discipline teachers and students" regardless of constitutional protections, including LGBTQ teachers.	[123]
Oct 2000	Belmopan	No	BDF captain Oscar Selgado is dismissed for alleged homosexual advances towards a junior officer in Caye Caulker.	[124]
Jan 1998	Belize City	No	Protests erupt over the 1 February arrival of MS Leeward , a gay cruise.	[125]
1944	Belize City	No	Ordinance No 4 of 1944 passed, making same-sex intimacy between consenting adults an indictable offence.	[126]
1888	Belize City	No	Criminal Code Act 1888 passed, criminalising same-sex intimacy between consenting adults as a public nuisance.	[126]

See also

• LGBTQ rights in Belize

References

Citations

1. Official LGBTQ population estimates not available (Emp, p. iv). Cre estimated the 2021 "likely LGBT+" population at 5.6 percent (totalling circa 22,365 individuals; p. 65). Wat estimated the 2018 MSM men and trans women population at 5.0–5.9 and 0.4–0.5 percent, respectively (totalling circa 10,487 individuals; pp. 132–133; Cre, pp. 65–66). Cac estimated "over 100" children being raised by LGBTQ families in 2019 (pp. i, iii).
2. Rep, p. 10.
3. Rep, p. 11.
4. "About the Diocese". Anglican Diocese of Belize. Archived from the original on 9 April 2014.
5. Rep, p. 10; Burdon JA. Archives of British Honduras. Vol. 2. London: Sifton, Praed & Co. p. 411. LCCN   33013317.
6. Rep, pp. 10, 14; Equ.
7. Orb, pp. 5–8.
8. Cra, pp. 75–77, 84–85; Rep, pp. 11, 18.
9. Rep, p. 18; Emp, p. ii; Tra, p. ii.
10. Ora, pp. 8–9; Emp, p. ii; Rep, p. 12.
11. Rep, p. 34; Emp, p. iv.
12. Orb, p. 11. And 17 of gay men in 1997–2012 in "UNIBAM says 17 gay men killed since 1997". 7 News. 19 June 2012.
13. Ram, p. vi; Rep, pp. 13, 26, 28–32; Emp, pp. iv, vi–vii; Tra, pp. iii–vi.
14. Rep, p. 8.
15. Ram, pp. iii, vi–viii.
16. Ram, pp. xiv–xvi.
17. Rep, p. 35.
18. Cra, pp. 81–82.
19. Rep, pp. 11–13; Equ; Emp, pp. ii, iv–viii; Tra, pp. iii–iv, vi–vii; Orb, pp. 8–10, 13–14, 17–18; Cac, pp. i–ii, iv.
20. "Global Acceptance Index". Williams Inst.; Flores AR (2021). Social acceptance of LGBTI people in 175 countries and locations (Report). Williams Inst. pp. 2, 11, 16, 36.
21. Rep, pp. 13, 38; Lib, p. 1; Lia, p. i.
22. Laa.
23. Bec, pp. 1558–1559, 1561, 1563.
24. Wil, pp. 15–16, 21–22, 61.
25. Wil, pp. 4, 21–22, 29, 49–50, 60–63.
26. Bec, pp. 1557, 1560, 1562, 1564.
27. Rep, p. 15.
28. Cra, pp. 33–34; Rep, p. 14.
29. Rep, pp. 15, 18.
30. Wil, p. 13; Bec, p. 1564; Cra, pp. 78, 82–83; Rep, pp. 15–16, 32; Cre, p. 55; Laz, pp. 569–370, 377–381.
31. Caa, pp. 14–15.
32. This column lists the percentage of reponses indicating prejudiced or negative attitudes towards LGBTQ people. Rounded to nearest integer.
33. This column lists the percentage of reponses indicating non-prejudiced or positive attitudes towards LGBTQ people. Rounded to nearest integer.
34. Rep, pp. 4, 8, 20–23.
35. Rep, pp. 20–23, 32.
36. Lib, pp. 4, 6.
37. Lib, pp. 5–6.
38. Lib, p. 4; Lia, pp. v–vi.
39. Lib, p. 6; Lia, pp. v–vi.
40. Lia, pp. ii, vi.
41. Bec, pp. 1558–1559, 1563.
42. Bec, pp. 1558–1559, 1561.
43. Wil, pp. 15–16, 21, 61.
44. Rep, pp. 13, 25–26, 28, 32, 34; Tra, p. ii; Orb, pp. 11–13, 25; Cre, p. 19.
45. Rep, p. 19.
46. Rep, pp. 17, 36.
47. Rep, p. 36.
48. This column flags whether an entry is an act of physical harm or violence to a person.
49. "PCC submits 129 paged recommendation report, Unibam calls it 'shameful'". 7 News. 26 March 2025.; "PCC rep. says, 'Draft report is a contradiction unto itself'". News 5. 27 March 2025.
50. "Budna says homophobic security guard assaulted him". 7 News. 11 July 2024.; "Security guard arraigned for common assault days after theft charge". News 5. 11 July 2024.
51. "Police under fire: Controversial video emerges of officers ridiculing mentally ill man". Love News. 22 January 2024.; "Disabilities advocates call for ComPol to fire abusive officers". 7 News. 23 January 2024.; "BAPDA calls for termination of cops who mocked mentally ill man". Amandala. 28 January 2024.
52. "Tanya Lopez's future is looking bright after PETAL's intervention". Love News. 24 January 2023.; "Minister Balderamos-Garcia speaks on hate crime legislation". Love News. 25 January 2023.
53. "Hate crime in San Pedro?". 7 News. 20 December 2022.; "San Pedro resident is victim of alleged hate crime". News 5. 20 December 2022.; "Three men charged in connection with San Pedro beat down". News 5. 20 December 2022.
54. "Human rights defenders concerned about Religious Affairs Minister's statement". News 5. 12 January 2022.; "Minister Usher clarifies statement on 'Christian principle;' emphasizes inclusion". News 5. 13 January 2022.
55. "'Our Circle' responds to San Pedro stabbing". News 5. 18 August 2021.; "Former BDF captain stabs woman at LGBT event". Amandala. 21 August 2021.
56. Emp, p. vii; "Pickstock Street residents attack police officer during arrest, two injured as rubber bullets ricochet". BBN. 1 March 2021. An 11 year old girl also injured, likewise not rushed to hospital (BBN).
57. "NEAB slams appointment of pro-LGBT judges". 7 News. 15 July 2020.; "Those two judges are troo-troo advocates". Amandala. 5 August 2020.
58. Rep, p. 13; "Gay man dies, family says police abuse played a role". 7 News. 20 April 2020.; "An investigation is launched into the death of fashion designer Ulysease Roca". News 5. 20 April 2020.; "Unibam on Ulysease". 7 News. 21 April 2020.; "PM's wife & NAC demand rights for Roca". 7 News. 21 April 2020.; "Was a post-mortem done to determine cause of death of Ulysease Roca?". News 5. 21 April 2020.; "Ulysses Terry found dead in Willows Bank". Amandala. 22 April 2020.; "COMPOL says cop charged for shooting mocking video of Roca". 7 News. 22 April 2020.; Alza C, Saadi F (13 October 2021). Institutional violence against LGBT+ activists and organisations during Covid (Report). Kaleidoscope Intl. p. 9.
59. Ora, pp. 8–9; Emp, p. ii; Rep, p. 12; "Evangelicals fear hate speech". 7 News. 7 January 2020.; "Equal opportunities for 19 different forms of discrimination". 7 News. 9 January 2020.; "Will gays get special treatment under Equal Opportunities Bill?". 7 News. 9 January 2020.; "The AG and Equal Opportunity". 7 News. 10 January 2020.; "Equal Opps Bill, the other side of the argument". 7 News. 15 January 2020.; "Candid comments from non-supporters of the Bill". News 5. 17 January 2020.; "The road to equal opportunity". Amandala. 18 January 2020.; "We want a referendum on the anti-freedom 'Equal Opportunities Bill'". Amandala. 22 January 2020.; "Over 5,000 signatures in objection to Equal Opportunities Bill". News 5. 5 February 2020.; "More flack for the Equal Opportunities Bill". Amandala. 8 February 2020.; "EOB: Tyranny or freedom". Amandala. 15 February 2020.; "The hardline against Equal Opportunity Bill". 7 News. 14 September 2020.; "NEAB supports equal opportunities for all, but has issue with LGBT". News 5. 15 September 2020.; "UNIBAM Executive Director reacts to Cabinet decision". News 5. 15 September 2020.; "House to introduce controversial Equal Opportunities Bill 2020 on Wednesday". Amandala. 16 September 2020.; "Catholic Church rejects Equal Opportunities Bill". News 5. 16 September 2020.; "The bill was killed!". 7 News. 16 September 2020.; "Chair of the NAC reacts to withdrawal of Equal Opportunities Bill". News 5. 17 September 2020.; "GOB pulls the Equal Opportunities Bill (EOB)". Amandala. 19 September 2020.; "The Equal Opportunities Bill should never have even seen the inside of the Cabinet room". Amandala. 19 September 2020.; "NEAB says no to EOB". 7 News. 24 September 2020.; "UNIBAM scolds NEAB". 7 News. 28 September 2020.; "CEO laments the non-passage of Equal Opps Bill". 7 News. 2 October 2020.
60. Ora, pp. 15–16; "The tomb of an Orange Walk resident is vandalized and his body exhumed". News 5. 13 January 2020.; "Family's grieving disrupted by broken grave". 7 News. 13 January 2020.; "Emil Escalante's tomb vandalized in Orange Walk Cemetery, and open coffin left on the ground". Amandala. 15 January 2020.
61. "Belize Court of Appeal affirms LGBT freedom of expression". Amandala. 1 January 2020.; "Evangelicals criticize courts". 7 News. 7 January 2020.; "Section 53 ruling will lead to higher number of HIV cases says NEAB". News 5. 7 January 2020.
62. "The tomb of an Orange Walk resident is vandalized and his body exhumed". News 5. 13 January 2020.; "Emil Escalante's tomb vandalized in Orange Walk Cemetery, and open coffin left on the ground". Amandala. 15 January 2020.
63. "Video of beatdown of LGBT man being circulated". 7 News. 1 November 2019.
64. "Young man in video identified as police officer". BBN. 1 July 2019.; "Cops investigating PC Gillett incident". 7 News. 1 July 2019.; "Hate crime or just halari business on the high seas?". 7 News. 1 July 2019.; "UNIBAM Exec. Dir. says PC Gillett's rights were infringed". News 5. 1 July 2019.; "UNIBAM: No room for homophobia in Belize Police Department". News 5. 1 July 2019.; "Police officer used unsanctioned chokehold to subdue PC Gillett". News 5. 2 July 2019.; "Cop gets 'woman fum-fum' aboard water taxi". Amandala. 3 July 2019.
65. Orb, p. 10; Ora, p. 28; "Pair of severed legs discovered in Ontario; is it that of missing teen?". News 5. 1 October 2018.; "Searching for clues to missing Gerardo". 7 News. 25 October 2018.; "Severed legs confirmed to be that of Gerardo Vasquez". News 5. 9 June 2020.; "After 2 years, DNA results say dismembered legs in river belonged to boy, 17". Amandala. 13 June 2020.
66. "President Mose sticking with stevedores". 7 News. 9 April 2018.
67. "Haitian LGBT denied visas; Foreign Affairs intervenes". News 5. 3 November 2017.; "Immigration Department resolving LGBT controversy". News 5. 7 November 2017.
68. "US hoists rainbow flag". 7 News. 21 June 2017.; "NEAB says gay flag at Embassy is a case of Obama leftovers". 7 News. 23 June 2017.
69. "Two detained for questioning in the murder of San Pedro resident Felix Ayuso". San Pedro Sun. 3 February 2017.; "Beloved resident savagely stabbed to death on San Pedro". 7 News. 3 February 2017.; "Man found guilty of San Pedro murder". 7 News. 5 August 2020.; "Vildo Westby found guilty of murder for the death of Jose Ayuso of San Pedro". Amandala. 12 August 2020.
70. "Evangelical Association petitions President Trump for ambassador with 'Biblical values'". News 5. 20 January 2017.
71. "Belize Action frowns on UN turnaround over LGBT expert". News 5. 22 December 2016.
72. "Faber says no to LGBT spin on Minister's award". 7 News. 8 November 2016.
73. "Speaker Peyrefitte apologizes to UNIBAM's Orozco". Amandala. 26 October 2016.
74. "Man-man business in court". 7 News. 19 August 2016.; "Homosexual lover charged with assaulting his partner". Amandala. 24 August 2016.
75. "More Church disquiet about Supreme Court judgment". 7 News. 11 August 2016.; "Streets not happy with Supreme Court". 7 News. 11 August 2016.; "Thoughts on the UNIBAM decision". Amandala. 13 August 2016.; "UNIBAM grand slam: Gay sex law struck out". 7 News. 16 August 2016.; "B.P.P leader says homosexuality is a life choice, not a human rights issue". News 5. 18 August 2016.; "B.P.P. says 'Take it to the people!'". News 5. 18 August 2016.; "BPP wants omnibus referendum". 7 News. 18 August 2016.; "V.I.P. maintains support for Section 53 despite court decision". News 5. 19 August 2016.; "Carnival, cable television, and the churches". Amandala. 20 August 2016.; "Stirm: Church leading, not misleading". 7 News. 23 August 2016.; "Christians march against Section 53 judgment, GOB non-appeal". 7 News. 23 August 2016.; "Powerful teachers' union urges GOB to appeal". 7 News. 24 August 2016.; "COLA, Evangelicals back to Belmopan on Friday". News 5. 24 August 2016.; "Anti-Christs". Amandala. 24 August 2016.; "The sound and the fury: Belizeans rally against LGBT and corruption". News 5. 26 August 2016.; "PM says he has some flexibility on Section 53 appeal". 7 News. 26 August 2016.; "P.U.P. does about turn on Section 53; it now wants appeal". News 5. 29 August 2016.; "Christians protest in 'Pan, to no great effect". 7 News. 30 August 2016.; "'I want my country back!!'". Amandala. 31 August 2016.; "Agitation and hysteria". Amandala. 31 August 2016.; "Utility unions commend PM". 7 News. 8 September 2016.; "Will UNIBAM have a place on Morality Commission?". News 5. 14 September 2016.; "Evangelical Churches appeal Section 53 judgment". 7 News. 16 September 2016.; "Withdrawal from church-state commission is not sabotage, says Rev. Papouloute". Amandala. 14 June 2017.; "Caleb Orozco upbraids 'Morality Commission'". News 5. 21 June 2017.
76. "Gender politics invades Youth Advocacy Movement". 7 News. 23 June 2016.; "Ugly meme sparks outrage against youth leader". 7 News. 23 June 2016.
77. "US Embassy hoists gay flag over Belize". 7 News. 23 June 2016.; "Evangelical Church reacts to observation of Gay Pride Month". News 5. 23 June 2016.
78. "Did Bze pharmacist lose his job for homophobe post on Facebook?". 7 News. 13 June 2016.; "Pharmacist axed for supporting deadly LGBT attack in Florida". Amandala. 14 June 2016.
79. "Vanessa Champagne Paris dead at twenty-one". News 5. 6 June 2016.; "Champagne Paris passes, suicide suspected". 7 News. 6 June 2016.; "Was it food poisoning or suicide?". News 5. 6 June 2016.; "LGBT activist remembers Champagne Paris". News 5. 6 June 2016.; "Did famous drag queen die of poisoning?". Amandala. 7 June 2016.; "Police: Paris Champagne didn't die from poison". 7 News. 7 June 2016.; "So what really killed Champagne Paris?". News 5. 7 June 2016.
80. "San Pedro to host LGBT pride week". News 5. 18 June 2015.; "San Pedro resort owner courts gay tourists". 7 News. 19 June 2015.; "Gay-day in September". 7 News. 22 June 2015.; "San Pedro hotelier courting controversy with gay guests". 7 News. 23 June 2015.; "The Church and the gay bash on San Pedro". 7 News. 7 July 2015.
81. "Government and gays". Amandala. 19 August 2014.
82. "Loathe thy neighbour?". 7 News. 9 July 2015.; "Caleb Orozco's neighbour found guilty of gay bashing and throwing missiles". News 5. 9 July 2015.
83. "U.S. Ambassador is greeted with a protest". News 5. 24 June 2014.; "Small protest by anti-LGBT crowd as new US Ambassador is sworn in". 7 News. 24 June 2014.
84. "'Occupy Belmopan' draws 40 on first day". 7 News. 17 June 2014.
85. "Cross-dresser robbed in Belmopan; robber shot by police". Amandala. 13 June 2014.; "Transgender woman, Vanessa Champagne Paris, is robbed". News 5. 24 June 2014.; "Vanessa Champagne was robbed; robber shot by police". 7 News. 24 June 2014.
86. "The fuss over Prof Bain". 7 News. 22 May 2014.; "A protest for Professor Bain". 7 News. 23 May 2014.; "Spineless UWI!". Amandala. 23 May 2014.; "Belize Council of Churches stands up for Professor Bain". 7 News. 27 May 2014. Plus a further protest on 31 May per "Another protest for Prof Bain". 7 News. 2 June 2014.
87. Tra, p. vi; Rep, p. 34; "Street mob attacks transgender Vanessa Paris". 7 News. 9 April 2014.; "Transgender woman is stoned and beaten by an angry mob". News 5. 9 April 2014.; "Did famous drag queen die of poisoning?". Amandala. 7 June 2016.
88. "The churches divided on the women's rally". News 5. 6 March 2014.; "Catholic Bishop opposes '20,000 Strong' march". Amandala. 7 March 2014.
89. "Church blacklists BFLA, UNIBAM, NAC, Red Cross". 7 News. 13 March 2014.; "Bishop Wright flogs BFLA, UNIBAM, NAC and Red Cross!". Amandala. 14 March 2014.; "Red Cross issues release on comments made by Roman Catholic Bishop". News 5. 17 March 2014.
90. Tra, p. vi; "18 year old transgender youth killed, was it a hate crime?". 7 News. 14 January 2014.
91. "Amendment to Criminal Code; is legal language favorable to gay rights cause?". News 5. 1 October 2013.; "The amended Criminal Code … does it further the LGBT agenda?". News 5. 4 October 2013.; "Touchy rape bill stirs trouble". Amandala. 8 October 2013.; "Child rights advocates ask for media support". 7 News. 9 October 2013.; "Amendment to Criminal Code: Progressive or pro-gay?". 7 News. 9 October 2013.; "From Jamaica: Tomlinson says he had no influence on Deputy Sol Gen Daly". 7 News. 13 November 2013.
92. Rey; "Belize Can will protest concept of Gender Studies Dept". News 5. 19 August 2013.; "Belize Can protests Gender Policy in front of National Assembly". News 5. 20 August 2013.
93. "Miss Gay Goddess Belize 2013". News 5. 22 July 2013.; "Female impersonator crowned Miss Gay Goddess 2013–2014". 7 News. 23 July 2013.
94. "Christian activists march against gays & gender policy". 7 News. 2 July 2013.; "Religious denominations protest Gender Policy in Orange Walk". News 5. 3 July 2013.; "Mammoth march in PG". 7 News. 5 July 2013.; "Massive protest for 'public morality' in Toledo – Cayo today!". Amandala. 9 July 2013.; "Constitution March brings hundreds to Cayo". 7 News. 9 July 2013.; "Gender Policy Protest hits Cayo in thousands". News 5. 9 July 2013.; "Constitutional March going to 'Griga'". 7 News. 11 July 2013.; "The anti-LGBT march comes to town". Star. No. 368. 14 July 2013. p. 1.; "Are the churches promoting hate crimes?". Star. No. 368. 14 July 2013. p. 9.; "Christians take to the city streets". 7 News. 16 July 2013.; "Churches take over the city!". Amandala. 16 July 2013.; "Hon. Alamilla fears anti-gay hate protests could escalate into violence". 7 News. 19 July 2013.; "Miss Gay Goddess Belize 2013". News 5. 22 July 2013.
95. Orb, pp. 5–8; "Barrow administration's new gender policy opens door for gays?". Amandala. 24 May 2013.; "Government backpedals, appeases churches on gender policy". 7 News. 28 May 2013.; "Gender Policy wanted to legalize prostitution and then some". News 5. 28 May 2013.; "PM says Gender Policy not law". 7 News. 30 May 2013.; "LGBT influence dominates Cabinet?". Amandala. 31 May 2013.; "Barrow: Gender Policy not going anywhere". 7 News. 5 June 2013.; "Gender Policy resolution highly debated at O.A.S. General Assembly". News 5. 5 June 2013.; "More consultations on Gender Policy". 7 News. 6 June 2013.; "'Firestorm' over gender policy; Barrow doesn't blink". Amandala. 7 June 2013.; "Churches meet the P.M. to denounce gender policy". News 5. 7 June 2013.; "National Gender Policy issue: What's the Fuss? Part 1". Star. No. 364. 16 June 2013. pp. 11, 15.; "Church: What the Gender Policy really means". 7 News. 26 June 2013.; "PM 'hardheaded': Bishop Dorick Wright". Amandala. 19 July 2013.; "Churches: Ever watchful of the NGP". 7 News. 9 May 2014.; "PM/Church reconcile on NGP". 7 News. 3 October 2014.; "Churches and GOB break impasse over Revised Gender Policy". Amandala. 10 October 2014.
96. "Is Audrey leaving Oceana because of homosexuality/bestiality comment?". 7 News. 29 May 2013.; "It's official, Audrey resigns from Oceana". 7 News. 30 May 2013.; "Audrey resigns!". Amandala. 31 May 2013.
97. "UNIBAMer feels threatened because he's gay". News 5. 8 May 2013.; "UNIBAM boss's home burgled". 7 News. 9 May 2013.
98. "Jamaican LBGT advocate won't travel to Belize because of restrictive anti-gay immig law". 7 News. 27 December 2012.; "Jamaican gay man takes Belize, Trinidad to court over discriminatory immig laws". 7 News. 17 July 2013.
99. Ora, pp. 10–11; "Woman killed by lady lover in Santa Elena?". 7 News. 10 December 2012.; "Woman's life partner detained after her murder". News 5. 10 December 2012.; "Lily charged for killing her lady lover". 7 News. 11 December 2012.; "Rosalia Castillo charged for Palomas Del Norte Bar murder". News 5. 11 December 2012.; "Santa Elena woman facing murder charge". Star. No. 339. 16 December 2012. pp. 1–2.; "Court dismisses appeal of woman convicted for death of her lesbian lover". Amandala. 7 November 2018.
100. Rey.
101. "Churches 'bex bad' with GOB!". Amandala. 31 August 2012.; "Church meets with Central Bank over 'spouse' definition". News 5. 31 August 2012.; "New banking law means more teeth and muscle for Central Bank". Amandala. 14 September 2012.
102. "Failed homosexual sex attempt led to doctor's death". Amandala. 26 May 2018.; "Dwayne Davis tells court he's neither gay nor bisexual". 7 News. 14 June 2018.; "Dwayne Davis gets 14 years for manslaughter of Doctor Ivan Garcia". News 5. 20 June 2018.
103. "Lead UNIBAM male attacked". News 5. 8 February 2012.; "Gay rights activist Caleb stoned with beer pint". 7 News. 8 February 2012.; "UNIBAM regains ground in court". 7 News. 5 December 2012.
104. "Stand up for our children against homosexuals". Amandala. 1 December 2011.; "M/Education teaching students to be homosexuals?". Amandala. 12 December 2011.; "Ideas and opinions – Whither goest Belize?". Amandala. 15 December 2011.; "Minister of Education defends HFLE curriculum". News 5. 16 December 2011.; "Education Minister Faber dodges questions about in U.S.-sponsored HFLE manual". Amandala. 20 December 2011.; "Educ. Ministry pulls handbook". 7 News. 12 September 2012.; "Ministry of Education recalls manual that had pro-gay remarks". News 5. 13 September 2012.
105. "UNIBAM divides Belize". Amandala. 9 December 2011. Further condemn UNIBAM in "Ideas and opinions – Unibam vs People of Belize". Amandala. 21 October 2011.; "Ideas and opinions – Concerning Unibam". Amandala. 25 November 2011.
106. "From the publisher". Northern Star. No. 2. 28 November 2011. p. 4.
107. "Forum addressing UNIBAM lawsuit next week". Plus TV. 28 October 2011.; "Rallying against the international homosexual agenda". Amandala. 22 November 2011.; "Church holds discussion on UNIBAM". News 5. 22 November 2011.; "Decriminalizing homosexuality will have dire ripple effects: Churches". Amandala. 25 November 2011.; "Christians 'Take A Stand' against UNIBAM". 7 News. 5 December 2011.; "Churches 'Take A Stand' rally against UNIBAM". News 5. 5 December 2011.; "Christians 'stand firm' against UNIBAM!". Amandala. 5 December 2011.; Perkins AK (2016). "More than words: Evangelicals, the rhetoric of battle and the fight over gay rights in the Caribbean". Journal of Eastern Caribbean Studies. 41 (1): 31–34.
108. Rep, p. 14; Williams Z (13 September 2011). "Gay rights: A world of inequality". Guardian.; "Minister Boots Martinez catfight 'tooth and nail' with UNIBAM". News 5. 14 September 2011.
109. "Belizeans, stand up and say no to the homosexual agenda". Star. No. 277. 19 June 2011. p. 9. Repeated in "Belize Action ad". Star. No. 357. 28 April 2013. p. 4.
110. "We invite you to join Belize Action mailout this time against the homosexual agenda". Star. No. 275. 5 June 2011. p. 4.
111. Rep, p. 16; "Belize churches join GOB in court battle against homosexuals". Amandala. 22 May 2011.; "More Belize churches condemn UNIBAM!". Amandala. 22 July 2011. And allegedly link being gay to paedophilia per "Diminishing reason, diminishing respect". Amandala. 20 December 2011.; "Irony of our counsel". Amandala. 29 December 2011.
112. "Belize transgender claims mistreatment in Trini". 7 News. 13 April 2011.; "Transgender Belizean cries discrimination". Trinidad Express. 13 April 2011.
113. "Stabbed, castrated, then set on fire in a quiet village". News 5. 27 July 2010.; "Murder suspect Rafael Mencias is caught". News 5. 28 July 2010.; "Stabbed to death, then set on fire". Amandala. 30 July 2010.
114. "A cruel killing in Corozal". 7 News. 31 May 2010.; "Jealous common-law-husband kills his wife". News 5. 1 June 2010.; "'Ah jus stab up mi gial …'". Amandala. 1 June 2010.
115. "Francis Figueroa stabbed to death in Friday night fight". Amandala. 18 May 2010.
116. "Gay student accuses Baptist High School of discrimination". 7 News. 23 October 2009.; "Gay student Jose Garcia's future in limbo". 7 News. 27 October 2009.; "Principal offers spiritual counselling to expelled gay student". 7 News. 4 November 2009.; "Baptist High threatens Jose Garcia with arrest". 7 News. 11 November 2009.
117. "Walter Beaton, 35, charged with the murder of Leroy Rhaburn, 28". Amandala. 25 August 2009.
118. "Brutal murder in Orange Walk; throat slit & beaten with bat". 7 News. 13 February 2009.; "Man brutally murdered in Orange Walk". News 5. 13 February 2009.; "Slaughtered by gay lover for $$$". Amandala. 17 February 2009.; "Caleb Orozco lied to the OAS". Amandala. 11 April 2014.
119. "Corozal family planning New Year's Day funeral for murdered son". 7 News. 31 December 2007.
120. "San Joaquin teens charged for beastly murder". 7 News. 20 November 2007.; "Two charged in brutal Corozal murder". News 5. 20 November 2007.; "Arturo Eck convicted of murder". News 5. 17 June 2010.; "Murder most foul". 7 News. 17 June 2010.
121. "Understanding the homosexual factor – part IV: Homosexuality, pedophilia, and bestiality — the deadly connection". Amandala. 27 May 2007. Repeated in "The homosexual high school administrator". Amandala. 20 January 2007.; "Of pedophiles and hypocrites". Amandala. 1 February 2007.; "The homosexual factor". Amandala. 16 February 2007.; "Ferment and fire". Amandala. 3 June 2011.; "Of this and that". Amandala. 7 November 2011. Archived from the original on 30 May 2015.; "Of this and that". Amandala. 25 November 2011. Archived from the original on 30 May 2015.; "Homosexuality is not a human rights issue – it is downright disgusting!". Amandala. 29 November 2011.; "Homosexuality now; sex with animals next?". Amandala. 16 December 2011. Further anti-LGBTQ rhetoric in "Medical and economic consequences of what homosexuals do". Amandala. 13 April 2007.; "They do". Amandala. 8 April 2008.; "Sir Paul discusses homosexuality and Bishop Robinson". Amandala. 22 January 2009.; "Ludicrous same sex marriage in Christian lands". Amandala. 23 April 2009.; "Dealing with the real of homosexuality". Amandala. 18 November 2009.; "Homosexuals 'deprive the nation … of the creation of new citizens' – Paul Rodriguez". Amandala. 9 August 2011.; "No Battle of Britain". Amandala. 8 November 2011.; "Of this and that, part 2". Amandala. 25 November 2011.; "Don't let the Christians do it alone". Amandala. 25 November 2011.; "'A happily married man' writes on homosexuality". Amandala. 29 November 2011.; "The LGBTs should be last to cite hate". Amandala. 15 December 2011.; "Of this and that". Amandala. 16 December 2011. Archived from the original on 30 May 2015.
122. "Was tear gas attack against homosexual revellers?". 7 News. 6 September 2006.
123. "Bishop Dorick Wright's holy caution". 7 News. 18 June 2004.
124. "Former BDF captain cleared of sexual misconduct". 7 News. 22 July 2004.
125. "Belizeans protest cruise". Out and About. 27 January 1998.; "Gay cruise arrives Sunday". News 5. 30 January 1998.; "Gay cruise visits Belize City; protesters demonstrate at dock". News 5. 2 February 1998.; "Cruise OK in Belize, UK confab". Out and About. 4 February 1998.
126. Equ.

Works cited

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11. Belize country report (Report). ARC. 14 November 2012.
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13. UNIBAM/Heartland Alliance submission for Belize to the 107th UN HRC session (Report). 2013.
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22. Carrillo K (2019). Country report (Report). Stigma Index.
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External links

• Envisioning  – 5-minute video portraits of local LGBTQ activists
• Live & Let Live  – 1-minute video portraits of local LGBTQ victims, activists, and allies