LGBT Equality Coming to Trinidad and Tobago?

Trinidad and Tobago, that tropical paradise where it's still considered illegal to be homosexual, looks set to finally begin discussing equal rights for the LGBT community.

Recently during a meeting regarding the country’s budget, Sports Minister Darryl Smith allegedly insinuated that opposition Member of Parliament Barry Padarath was gay with a homophobic insult. This verbal exchange caught the attention of one of Trinidad and Tobago’s top religious leaders.

Annabell Lalla-Ramkelawan, the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Trinidad and Tobago, has called on the government to initiate talks regarding equal rights for the LGBT community. Coming from a country where not only is it illegal to be gay, but it’s illegal for gays to travel into the country, this is a big deal.

Even though no talks have been made yet regarding LGBT equality, the fact that a prominent religious leader wants to speak up for the LGBT community marks a big moment in Trinidad and Tobago’s march towards equality, and here’s hoping they only move forward.