Javier Corrales, professor of political science at Amherst College: “In terms of legal provisions, the Western Hemisphere has become one of the most LGBT-friendly areas in the world. This is the one domain where, fortunately, we have not seen democratic backsliding in the region. Regrettably, Anglo-Caribbean nations have been laggards. This is especially puzzling because these countries boast strong democratic institutions, ties with the west, and in some cases, strong leftist parties and extreme dependence on tourism, all factors that elsewhere lead to LGBTQ rights expansion. Part of the problem is the rootedness of religion, and especially non-Anglican protestant churches, which are particularly socially conservative. Furthermore, there is no strong tradition of anti-clericalism as in Latin America, so it’s even rarer for politicians in the Caribbean to defy the clergy. Also, many leaders resisting change use anti-imperialist language, which appeals to many on the left. Because of these obstacles…”