Gay Belize

No — same-sex marriage is not currently recognised in Belize. Belize decriminalised same-sex relations in 2016, when the Supreme Court struck down Section 53 of the Criminal Code in a case brought by activist Caleb Orozco; the Court of Appeal upheld the ruling in 2019. The same judgment read sexual orientation into the constitution's ban on sex discrimination, so protection exists in principle across employment and services, though no statute names it. In 2024 the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act added explicit cover for sexual orientation and gender identity, and a sentencing law made bias based on sexual orientation an aggravating factor. There is no marriage, civil union or adoption for same-sex couples, and no legal gender change. Belize held its first Pride Week in 2017. Church groups campaigned hard against decriminalisation and remain influential, and surveys show roughly a third of Belizeans accepting of gay people. San Pedro on Ambergris Caye is the most comfortable spot for LGBTQ visitors; Caye Caulker and Placencia are easy-going too. Belize City is where discretion matters most.

The cities listed on this page have the most active LGBTQ+ scenes in Belize — typically the capital and the largest tourist cities. Each city page lists verified LGBTQ+ venues.

Many hotels in tourist areas of Belize welcome LGBTQ+ guests without explicit marketing. International chains in central districts are the safest choice; smaller boutique hotels vary. See each city page for verified LGBTQ+-friendly options.

Pride events do take place in Belize — see the events calendar for the current schedule and each city page for local specifics. Attendance sizes and dates vary year to year.