Catholic Church Urges ‘No’ on Caye Caulker Marijuana Vote

As Caye Caulker prepares for its upcoming referendum on marijuana legalisation, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Belize City and Belmopan has issued a strong call for residents to reject the proposal.

In a pastoral statement released Friday, the Diocese warned that legalising marijuana would bring serious social and moral consequences for Belize. Citing Catholic teaching and statements from Pope St John Paul II and Pope Francis, Church leaders emphasised that drug use “impoverishes every community” and that legalisation is “highly questionable” as a solution.

The Diocese outlined several risks of legalisation, including harm to youth, weakened family bonds, public health dangers, negative impacts on tourism, strengthened criminal networks, and erosion of moral values.

“Marijuana does not build Belize up; it tears Belize down,” the statement said, urging Catholic faithful and all residents of goodwill to vote “No.”

The Diocese framed the referendum as both a civic duty and moral responsibility, calling on voters to protect children, families, and Belize’s reputation. It also encouraged prayer for wisdom and unity ahead of the decision.