The Jamaica Forum for Lesbians All-sexuals and Gays (J-FLAG) is calling on Caricom member states to immediately repeal anti-buggery laws and to integrate Lesbian, Gay, Bisexuals and Transgender citizens into the Caricom family.

J-FLAG protested across from the entrance to the Hilton Rose Hall Resort in Montego Bay, the site of the 31st Caricom Heads of Government meeting yesterday.

In a release to the media Jason McFarlane, Programme Manager of J-FLAG said that the decision was made to mount this Stand because of the continued presence of anti-buggery laws in 11 of the 14 member states in Caricom which contribute to discrimination, marginalization and other serious human rights violations of Caricom citizens.

At the protest the group bore placards calling for the repeal of the anti-buggery laws, as well as an end to gay discrimination and improved human rights for all citizens in Caricom.

Maurice Tomlinson of AIDS Free World and who was one of the participants expressed his organizations support stating that such actions are necessary to raise awareness within Caricom about the rights of LGBTI, including the right to an adequate standard of health.

He also said that anti-buggery laws and discriminatory practices undermine the regional fight against HIV by driving gays underground, away from effective HIV prevention, treatment and care.

The protest lasted for 17 minutes before the police asked them to relocate due to the sensitive nature of the site.