U.S. Mission to International
Organizations in Geneva

U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of The Bahamas

43rd Session

Delivered by Ambassador Michèle Taylor

Thank you, Mr. President.

The United States welcomes the delegation of the Bahamas led by the Honorable Leo Ryan Pinder, Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs.

We commend the Bahamas’ support for human rights and democracy.

We recommend that the Bahamas:

1. Pass comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation that would protect the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons, as well as members of ethnic minority groups.
2. Remove discrimination against women in nationality laws that contribute to statelessness and address naturalization processing delays that can result in long-time residents becoming stateless.
3. Pass a law to criminalize spousal rape, including for couples who are not separated or in the process of divorce.

We wish the Bahamas a successful review.

I thank you.

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