The Prime Minister of Dominica has ruled out introducing same-sex marriage.

In a statement, Roosevelt Skerrit said: “I will make it clear that there are some things that this government will not accept and we will never allow for the state to recognise same-sex marriage in our country.

“If other countries want to do it, that’s a matter for them but there are certain guiding principles that we must follow”.

The Jamaica Observer reports Mr Skerrit dismissed reports that police were threatening to arrest people at their homes for engaging in same-sex sexual activity.

“This has never happened in Dominica and I don’t think that will be happening any time now or later,” he said.

Both male and female same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Dominica.

In 2001, 15 females were arrested for engaging in same-sex sexual acts, charged with the crime of gross indecency, and sentenced to five years’ imprisonment.

In the same year, ten males were sentenced to five years’ imprisonment for engaging in same-sex activity.

Sentences for sex between men can include 10 years’ imprisonment and 4 years’ imprisonment for attempted buggery between men.

Earlier this month, a mass demonstration against repealing Jamaica’s buggery law took place in Kingston.