00:00For Freedom Law Chambers, the Privy Council's decision represents more than a legal victory for Jason Jones.
00:07The firm says it is an affirmation that constitutional rights and protections must apply equally to every member of society,
00:15regardless of sexual orientation.
00:17In welcoming the ruling, the attorneys say, quote, gay rights form part of the wider struggle for human rights.
00:23Every person is entitled to the protection of the Constitution, regardless of their sexual orientation.
00:30The law firm also points to the significance of the Privy Council's treatment of the Constitution's savings clause.
00:37It says the decision makes clear that legislation cannot automatically escape constitutional scrutiny simply because it carries forward restrictions that
00:47existed under colonial law.
00:49And it believes this aspect of the ruling could have implications beyond the immediate case.
00:55The attorneys say the board's reasoning provides an important basis for examining other legislation where Parliament has replaced older laws
01:03with new provisions.
01:04Freedom Law Chambers is also drawing attention to the court's position, saying, quote,
01:08The constitutional rights in Sections 4 and 5 are to be interpreted in a way which makes them practical and
01:15effective, rather than theoretical and illusory.
01:18This means practical and effective in the present day, not in the past, end quote.
01:24The firm says that principle is important for everyone who depends on constitutional protection, particularly vulnerable and minority groups.
01:31It also sees regional significance in the judgment, noting that the Privy Council referred to developments in several Caribbean territories,
01:39including Belize, Barbados, Dominica and St. Lucia.
01:43However, the precise remedial order in the Jones case remains pending further submissions to the board.
01:50Freedom Law Chambers congratulates Jones on what it describes as his courage and perseverance and says the ruling reinforces a
01:57fundamental principle of national belonging.
01:59Freedom Law Chambers says, quote,
02:02Every person deserves to live with equal dignity and respect, end quote.
02:07Arvishita Wari Rupnarein, TV6 News.
