The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka has ruled that a private members bill to legalize homosexuality is not unconstitutional, paving the way for the decriminalization of homosexuality in the country.

Currently, individuals found guilty of homosexuality in Sri Lanka face imprisonment under a statute enacted during British administration. While the government has not confirmed its support for the bill, campaigners will continue to advocate for its adoption in parliament.

The justice organization iProbono has expressed hope for meaningful change and that the “door [was] finally open.” Sri Lanka’s move towards decriminalization is part of a global trend towards advocating LGBTQ rights, as evidenced by recent decriminalization efforts in Singapore and the Caribbean.