High Court Judge Justice Esco Henry, yesterday, ruled to allow 10 churches calling themselves the Christian Coalition to join the Government in responding to the constitutional challenge to the buggery and gross indecency laws in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
The ruling was handed down by the Judge – just one week after he heard the arguments from the Christian Coalition, and lawyers for the claimants.
Speaking on We FM’s Wake Up Morning Program today, attorney Mandela Peters who represents the Christian Coalition, in giving a brief review of what the case entails, noted that they will be allowed to put forward submissions and evidence.
Noting that the application put forward by claimants Sean MacLeish and Javin Johnson, is a constitutional Challenge to sections 146 and 148 of the Criminal Code, Mrs. Peters said that the anti-buggery law does not specifically target homosexuals.
Shirlan “Zita” Barnwell, one of the two lawyers representing the claimants, said that the judge agreed to allow the churches to join the lawsuit as an interested party.
Barnwell said however, in terms of evidence, the churches are restricted to filing two affidavits.
Justice Henry is expected to issue her written ruling today.
Ten churches that made a request to join the Attorney General in responding to the challenge to these laws are: Seventh-day Adventist Church; Evangelical Church of the West Indies; New Testament Church of God; Spiritual Baptist Church; Church of God St. Vincent; New Life Ministries; Light of Truth Church of God; Kingstown Baptist Church; Living Water Ministries International, and Hope Evangelism Outreach Ministries.
