Catholics Officially Out of UNIBAM Appeal

It’s now official: the Government of Belize is going at it alone in the upcoming appeal of the August tenth, 2016 judgment of Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin regarding the amendment of Section fifty-three of the Criminal Code.  Following the withdrawals of the Belize Council of Churches, Association of Evangelical Churches and Anglican Diocese from the case, only the Roman Catholic Diocese and the Attorney General in part were left. The National Evangelical Association of Belize was denied entry into the case in October, 2016. Now, the Catholics have exited as well. According to a letter, dated February twenty-eighth, Catholic Bishop Reverend Lawrence Nicasio stated that after consultations with the diocese and other competent authorities, they are withdrawing their name from the case. The letter gives no justification for the decision, but states “In the midst of legal and moral issues in our country, there is still a good sense of public morality and the desire to preserve the moral fabric of our people.” They added that they hope that, “the Government and future administrations will not compromise nor be persuaded or imposed into believing, teaching or maintaining that which is contrary to our cultures and beliefs regarding our family, social welfare and moral fabric.” A session for the continuation of the case is scheduled for Tuesday.