Official Name: Belize
Population: 320,000
Capital: Belmopan - Pop. 17,000
Area: 22,696 sq. km. / 14,103 sq. miles.
Language: English
Religion: Christian
Status of Homosexuality: Not illegal and not accepted
Telephone Country Code: 501
Belize, formerly British Honduras, became an independent on September 21, 1981. Belizean human rights statutes prohibit discrimination based on "sexuality," which is sometimes interpreted as including sexual orientation. However, not only are same-gender sex acts treated as illegal, but immigration by "homosexual males or females" (as well as those making money from homosexual behaviour) is prohibited. Comments from a lesbian Peace Corps worker: "The few gay and lesbian Belizeans that I know are very closeted and very discreet about their sexuality. Due to the laws of this country, the only place for people to meet with one another is at private parties. There are no openly gay bars or discos. There are no support groups or organizations for lesbigay people. There is no such thing as Gay Pride Month in Belize... It seems that most lesbigay people in Belize somehow find others like them through word of mouth, which isn’t always the most reliable. Many move to the States to enjoy more freedom and more opportunities to be open and honest about who they are. As everyone knows, Belize has a small population, once you are discovered as either a lesbian or gay man life can become rather difficult. In some cases, people are guilty by association."
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