Guyana Activists Call for Repeal of Sodomy Law

GEORGETOWN, Guyana (AP) - Gay rights activists in Guyana are calling for the South American nation to repeal cross-dressing and sodomy laws.

The Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination says the colonial-era laws are outdated and discriminatory. Group spokesman Joel Simpson said Monday that activists will increase pressure on lawmakers to repeal the laws.

Earlier this year, Guyanese authorities promised the U.N. Human Rights Council that it would launch a debate on whether to revise the laws before deciding whether it will pursue any amendments.

The consultations so far have not been opened to the public.

Simpson says his group will stage a gay film festival in Guyana's capital next month in hopes of winning more public acceptance.

Laws against gay sex are common in the English-speaking Caribbean.