User:Zcknowles/new sandbox

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons in Jamaica, particularly men, face legal and social issues not experienced by non-LGBT people. Sodomy and/or buggery are punishable by life imprisonment. On the other hand, sexual behaviour between women is legal.

Jamaica has been described by some human rights groups as the most homophobic country in the world because of the high level of violent crime directed at LGBT people.[1] The United States Department of State said that in 2012, "homophobia was widespread in the country".[2]

The government of Jamaica said in 2012 that it "is committed to the equal and fair treatment of its citizens, and affirms that any individual whose rights are alleged to have been infringed has a right to seek redress." The government also claimed that "there is no legal discrimination against persons on the grounds of their sexual orientation" and that it "is opposed to discrimination or violence against persons whatever their sexual orientation."[3]:page: 95

An assistant commissioner of police claimed just before he retired in July 2012 that Jamaica's reputation as homophobic was merely "hype" and that life for LGBT persons was improving. He suggested the real problem was gay-on-gay crime and members of the community cross-dressing in public.[2]