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Written question asked by David Lammy (Labour) on Friday, 11 November 2016, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 15 November 2016. It was answered by Alan Duncan (Conservative) on Thursday, 17 November 2016 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Cayman Islands: LGBT People

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to Question 42054, what representations his Department has (a) made to and (b) received from the government of the Cayman Islands on the obligations of Overseas Territory governments to comply with their international obligations to combat discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

Answer

The British Government works closely with the Overseas Territories (OTs) on LGB&T equality to ensure that the OTs meet their international human rights obligations in this area. At the annual conference of Overseas Territories Attorneys General in September, the UK Solicitor General and the Attorneys General of the OTs, including Cayman, discussed cooperation on a number of important topics, including human rights.

In October, The Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my noble Friend, the Rt Hon. Baroness Anelay of St Johns, visited the Cayman Islands. In meetings with the Cayman Islands Premier and Members of the Legislative Assembly, Baroness Anelay reiterated the need for the Cayman Islands Government to comply with its international obligations on LGB&T equality.

Earlier this month, the Solicitor General and Baroness Anelay co-chaired a session on human rights with OT leaders at the Joint Ministerial Council in London. Baroness Anelay emphasised this Government's resolve to continue to promote respect for human rights and ensure the highest standards of governance in the Territories. Participants committed themselves to working together to further develop the capability of Territories' National Human Rights Institutions, and to promote understanding of our shared international human rights obligations. We have not received representations from the Cayman Islands Government on this issue.

Whilst we expect all OT Governments to comply with their evolving international human rights obligations, legislating in this area is for OT Governments alone.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
52680
Session
2016-17
Related items
British Overseas Territories: Marriage
Wednesday, 1 March 2017
Written questions
House of Commons
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Cayman Islands Discrimination LGBT+ people
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk