Human rights group UNIBAM's 'We are one' wristband campaign part of push to legalize gay sex in BelizeActivists have launched a rainbow-colored wristband campaigning for the legalization of gay sex in Belize.
The United Belize Advocacy Movement (UNIBAM) is calling on the Central American country's Supreme Court to repeal a law that bans same-sex relationships.
The group argues section 53 of the criminal code, which outlaws 'carnal intercourse against the order of nature', violates citizens' constitutional right to privacy and dignity.
A wristband with the slogan 'We are one in dignity and rights' was launched on Friday in an effort to garner public support for the campaign.
Speaking to Belize's Channel 5 News, UNIBAM president Caleb Orosco said: 'The context of the campaign is related to our need to address some of the vile and flammatory language that has been used in the media for the past year and a half.
'It is to remind people that as individual human beings, individual dignity and rights do not change.
'We may disagree with many, many things, but we all have the same expectations about the treatment of dignity and rights.'
UNIBAM's challenge had its first day in the Supreme Court yesterday with Orosco and his legal team facing opposition from members of the Church.
Channel 7 News reported the fierce debate between the two sides lasted until 4.40pm with the judge, Justice Michelle Arana, saying she will return a verdict at a later date to be announced.
Attorney Lisa Shoman represented UNIBAM in the Supreme Court and told Channel 5 News the legal challenge is about freedom and human rights.
She said: 'It is not about whether you are gay, it's not about whether you are bi, it's not whether you are transgendered.
'It is whether you are a Belizean person and you deserve to enjoy the fundamental rights and freedoms which are guaranteed in the constitution.'
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