Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court has approved a bill aimed at decriminalizing homosexuality, according to the Speaker of Parliament, Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena. LGBTQ+ rights activists have long campaigned for legal reform in a country where homosexuality remains punishable by imprisonment and a fine. The bill, presented to parliament last month, has now been deemed constitutional by the Supreme Court.
Historic Development in LGBTQ+ Rights
The decision marks a significant milestone for LGBTQ+ rights in Sri Lanka, and Kaveesha Coswatte, an attorney-at-law and advocacy officer for iProbono, called it a “historic development that has created hope towards real change.” Despite this progress, activists still face the challenge of garnering support from the 225 parliamentarians needed to advance the proposed legislation through parliament.
A Future Uncertain
Neither the government nor the opposition has publicly stated their stance on the bill, leaving its future uncertain. However, the Supreme Court’s decision has undoubtedly opened the door for further progress. Coswatte noted the ruling’s importance, saying it represents a significant breakthrough for the LGBTQ+ community in terms of progress achieved in recent years.