Nation News, Barbados

December 5, 2008

Barbados has reaffirmed its decision to maintain the death penalty, criminalization of homosexuality and prostitution as part of its legal system.

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Minister of Social Care, Constituency Empowerment, Urban and Rural Development, Chris Sinckler, reconfirmed this position as he defended the island's human rights record before the United Nations Human Rights Council's Universal Periodic Review process at the UN in Geneva, Switzerland.

In his presentation on Wednesday, Sinckler said the Barbados Government had neither mission nor mandate from its people to abolish the death penalty as was being called for by a number of countries of the council.

"It is a part of the legal system of Barbados and would remain so until further notice, but obviously there was not a clear desire in the country for abolition of the death penalty."

He also defended maintaining laws criminalizing homosexuality.

"Government does not intend to consider any recommendations to legalize homosexuality, prostitution or allow for the distribution of condoms in prison until such time as a full and proper national discourse on the issues can be engaged."