The Catholic Church in Saint Lucia has responded to last week’s historic court decision decriminalising consensual same-sex acts by labelling such relationships “morally disordered”.
On July 29, the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court ruled that sections of Saint Lucia’s Criminal Code – Section 132 (gross indecency) and Section 133 (buggery) – are unconstitutional. The court found they violated basic rights to privacy, liberty and freedom from discrimination. With the decision, same-sex acts between consenting adults in private are no longer a crime in Saint Lucia.
Though the laws carried prison sentences of up to 10 years, they were rarely prosecuted.
The Catholic Church in Saint Lucia responded to the ruling with a firm, if measured, statement. In a press release issued by the Archdiocese of Castries on August 4, the Church affirmed that all people, regardless of sexual orientation, are worthy of love, compassion and respect. But it reiterated that homosexual acts remain “morally disordered”, according to Catholic teaching.
“The decriminalisation of buggery reflects a legal decision about privacy and personal freedom,” the statement read, “but it does not change the Church’s understanding of the moral order.”
Referencing the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the archbishop’s office emphasised the call to chastity and spiritual guidance, urging Catholics to offer support while upholding what the Church views as moral truths.
Saint Lucia is the fifth Eastern Caribbean country to overturn sodomy laws, joining Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, and Saint Kitts & Nevis. Still, similar laws remain on the books in countries like Grenada and Saint Vincent & the Grenadines.
Read Full Statement Here
“My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
The recent ruling by the Court of Saint Lucia, which decriminalizes buggery in the privacy of one’s home, marks a significant legal development in our nation. In light of this, I wish to share the Catholic Church’s position from a moral standpoint. First and foremost, the Church teaches that every human person is created in the image and likeness of God and, regardless of sexual orientation, is deserving of respect, compassion, and sensitivity. The Church firmly rejects all forms of violence, hatred, or unjust discrimination against persons who experience same-sex attraction.
However, we also reaffirm that, according to the consistent teaching of Sacred Scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic Church, sexual acts outside of the bond of sacramental marriage between one man and one woman—including homosexual acts—are morally disordered, as they are not open to the gift of life nor do they reflect the full meaning of conjugal love intended by God. It is important to note that legal permissibility does not determine moral acceptability. The decriminalization of buggery reflects a legal decision about privacy and personal freedom but does not change the Church’s understanding of the moral order. In this context, we remind the faithful of the words of the Catechism:
Homosexual persons are called to chastity. By the virtues of self-mastery… they can and should gradually and resolutely approach Christian perfection.
The Church remains committed to welcoming all persons and to providing them with pastoral care, spiritual guidance, and the support they need to live in accordance with God’s plan for human sexuality. We call upon all Catholics, and indeed all citizens of goodwill, to treat every person with charity and dignity, avoiding any form of harassment or marginalization.
As we navigate the changing legal and social landscape of our beloved Saint Lucia, let us continue to proclaim the Gospel of truth and love, and pray that our society may always uphold the dignity of every person while remaining faithful to the moral values that sustain healthy families and communities.
May God bless you and our nation.”
