THEGAYUK

Tag: Commonwealth

All the latest breaking news on Commonwealth. Browse THEGAYUK’s complete collection of news, articles and commentary on Commonwealth.

  • TODAY IN GAY HISTORY | John Barrowman kisses a man during the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony

    TODAY IN GAY HISTORY | John Barrowman kisses a man during the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony

    Considering that homosexuality is banned in the majority of Commonwealth nations John Barrowman‘s gay kiss certainly raised a few eyebrows back in 2014.

    During a live performance in Scotland for the opening ceremony of the 2014 Commonwealth Games, actor and singer John Barrowman grabs a dancer in a kilt and kisses him in front of millions of viewers around the world.

    Although the kiss is brief, it’s a pivotal moment, as it’s never been done before during the opening ceremony, which has a global audience of millions. At the time 40 of 53 nations in the Commonwealth have laws against homosexuality. There are still around 35 countries where same-sex relationships are illegal.

    The kiss mirrored a number of other same-sex kisses that have happened during a live TV broadcast. In 2012, the Eurovision showed two same-sex kisses during its live broadcast, and during the 2012 London Olympics opening ceremony, the first lesbian kiss ever on a British soap was replayed.

    The Barrowman 2014 kiss causes quite an uproar on social media, dividing viewers on whether the action was appropriate.

    Watch the moment John kisses a dancer here.

  • Brunei to start stoning to death as punishment for homosexuality from today

    Brunei to start stoning to death as punishment for homosexuality from today

    The Kingdom of Brunei’s anti-gay punishment will come into effect today, meaning anyone found guilty of engaging a raft of behaviours including homosexuality will be stoned to death.

    1966666 / Pixabay

    Brunei‘s stoning death penalty is to be implemented today despite a massive international backlash. The adoption of sharia-based laws means that anyone found guilty of engaging in gay sex will be stoned to death. The law also means that anyone found guilty of committing adultery or trying to denounce Islam or insulting the Prophet Muhammad will also be dealt with the death penalty.

    Those found guilty of theft will have their hands amputated.

    Not all laws or punishments will affect non-Muslims in the region.

    Homosexuality is already illegal in Brunei and is one of 35 of 53 nations of the Commonwealth in which homosexuality is illegal. It is the second of those nations to make the “crime” punishable by death.

    What has the UK said it will do?

    In 2018 the UK’s government launched an LGBT+ action plan, in which it said it wanted to deal with issues faced by the LGBT community across the Commonwealth. Part of the plan specifically mentioned the Commonwealth. The government has offered support to Commonwealth countries wishing to reform discriminatory legislation. There is a £5.6 million programme, to be delivered through civil society organisations and will advance the legal equality and rights of all Commonwealth citizens, regardless of gender, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity. However, critics say that £5.6 million is a minuscule amount of money to split between the nations that could consider decriminalising homosexuality.

    The government also stated it would, “work through UK embassies, high commissions and through international organisations, including the United Nations, European institution and the Commonwealth, to protect and promote LGBT rights and to address laws discriminating against LGBT people”.

    Theresa May: anti-gay laws are “were wrong then, and they are wrong now”.

    In April 2018, the UK’s Prime Minister, Theresa May said that anti-gay laws in the Commonwealth “were wrong then, and they are wrong now”.

    In a speech to the biennial Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), Ms May said, “I am all too aware that these laws were often put in place by my own country. They were wrong then, and they are wrong now

    “As the UK’s prime minister, I deeply regret both the fact that such laws were introduced, and the legacy of discrimination, violence and even death that persists today,” she added.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • People are calling on the Commonwealth to intervene on Brunei’s gay sex death penalty

    People are calling on the Commonwealth to intervene on Brunei’s gay sex death penalty

    As Brunei confirms it is to start using the death penalty for those found guilty of gay sex, people are calling on the Commonwealth to intervene.

    Brunei has confirmed that it is to use the death penalty for those found engaging in same-sex relationships and adultery from early April 2019. The kingdom has stated that it will use stoning to death as punishment for those found breaking sharia law.

    Brunei is currently part of the Commonwealth and people are asking it to intervene or make a statement condemning the horrific move by Brunei’s government.

    However, the head of the Commonwealth is her Majesty, the Queen, who has to remain politically neutral, so having her speak out against Brunei’s inhumane policy might be a non-starter.

    As it stands homosexuality is actually illegal in 35 of the 53 nations that make up the Commonwealth. There are two nations which currently have the death penalty for same-sex relationships between men. Northern Nigeria and Brunei. There are some countries which have a maximum of life in prison, these include, Bangladesh, Barbados, Guyana, Pakistan, Sierra Leone, Tanzania and Uganda.

    A petition has been launched calling on Paul Scully MP, UK trade envoy to Brunei and Richard Graham MP, UK trade envoy to ASEAN (of which Brunei is a member) to publicly condemn these barbaric laws to make a stand against the barbaric punishment.

    https://twitter.com/NathWrites/status/1111326539860332544

    https://twitter.com/Light_Yagami128/status/1111280111972745216

     

  • Here are the Commonwealth countries where being gay is still a crime

    Here are the Commonwealth countries where being gay is still a crime

    There are over 70 countries where homosexuality is illegal. 35 of them are in the Commonwealth.

    As our Government looks to form closer relationships with the 53 countries that make the Commonwealth post-Brexit, we discover which of those nations have active legislation against being gay. There are 35 nations in the Commonwealth where it is illegal to be LGBT+, more specifically the laws usually only target gay and bisexual men. Some of these countries have harsh punishments for those caught in same-sex relationships, such as the death penalty, flogging or life imprisonment.

    1. Antiqua and Barbuda
    2. Bangladesh
    3. Barbados
    4. Botswana
    5. Brunei
    6. Cameroon
    7. Cook Islands
    8. The Gambia
    9. Ghana
    10. Grenada
    11. Guyana
    12. Jamaica
    13. Kenya
    14. Kiribati
    15. Malawi
    16. Malaysia
    17. Mauritius
    18. Namibia
    19. Northern Nigeria*
    20. Pakistan
    21. Papua New Guinea
    22. Saint Kitts and Nevis
    23. Saint Lucia
    24. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
    25. Samoa
    26. Sierra Leone
    27. Singapore
    28. Solomon Islands
    29. Southern Nigeria*
    30. Sri Lanka
    31. Swaziland
    32. Tanzania
    33. Tonga
    34. Tuvalu
    35. Uganda
    36. Zambia

    Northern and Southern Nigeria are one nation but have different laws pertaining to homosexuality.

    Where did the anti-gay laws come from?

    Many of the countries that make up the Commonwealth were part of the former British Empire, which established forms of British law in colonies created by administrators. One of these is the infamous Section 377, which India recently struck down. The section prohibits homosexual acts, more specifically anal sex between men.

    Which countries in the Commonwealth have the death penalty for gay people?

    There are two nations which currently have the death penalty for same-sex relationships between men. Northern Nigeria and Brunei. There are some countries which have a maximum of life in prison, these include, Bangladesh, Barbados, Guyana, Pakistan, Sierra Leone, Tanzania and Uganda.

    In Jamaica, the penalty for same-sex relations is 10 years imprisonment and hard labour in Jamaica. In Kenya, the punishment is 14 years.

    Flogging?

    In Malaysia, you could be subject to flogging and 20 years in prison.

    What has the UK said it will do?

    In 2018 the UK’s government launched an LGBT+ action plan, in which it said it wanted to deal with issues faced by the LGBT community across the Commonwealth. Part of the plan specifically mentioned the Commonwealth. The government has offered support to Commonwealth countries wishing to reform discriminatory legislation. There is a £5.6 million programme, to be delivered through civil society organisations and will advance the legal equality and rights of all Commonwealth citizens, regardless of gender, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity. However, critics say that £5.6 million is a minuscule amount of money to split between the nations that could consider decriminalising homosexuality.

    The government also stated it would, “work through UK embassies, high commissions and through international organisations, including the United Nations, European institution and the Commonwealth, to protect and promote LGBT rights and to address laws discriminating against LGBT people”.

    What has Theresa May said about anti-gay laws in the Commonwealth?

    In April, the UK’s Prime Minister, Theresa May said that anti-gay laws in the Commonwealth “were wrong then, and they are wrong now”.

    In a speech to the biennial Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), Ms May said, “I am all too aware that these laws were often put in place by my own country. They were wrong then, and they are wrong now

    “As the UK’s prime minister, I deeply regret both the fact that such laws were introduced, and the legacy of discrimination, violence and even death that persists today,” she added.

  • What the UK Government says its going to do for LGBT+ people internationally and in the Commonwealth

    What the UK Government says its going to do for LGBT+ people internationally and in the Commonwealth

    The UK’s Government has launched an LGBT action plan, in which it wants to deal with issues facing the LGBT+ community, including how it will work with international governments and the Commonwealth on LGBT+ issues.

    Where In The World Is Homosexuality Pubishable By Death
    CREDIT: TheGayUK

    “This Government is committed to making the UK a country that works for everyone. We want to strip away the barriers that hold people back so that everyone can go as far as their hard work and talent can take them”.

    Big words, so what exactly are they promising?

    Penny Mordaunt, the Minister for Women and Equality has outlined 75  points she wants her office to push in order to achieve better rights, equality, safety and visibility for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex people of the UK.

    The LGBT action plan offered the following for LGBT+ people internationally and in the commonwealth.

    We believe LGBT people around the world deserve at least the same rights and respect that we enjoy in the UK and that the UK has a special responsibility to address laws discriminating against LGBT people in the Commonwealth.

    We will support countries that want help to repeal laws discriminating against LGBT people. The Prime Minister has offered support to Commonwealth countries wishing to reform discriminatory legislation. A £5.6 million programme delivered through civil society organisations will advance the legal equality and rights of all Commonwealth citizens, regardless of gender, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity.

    We will deliver an international conference focusing on the issues LGBT people face around the world. The conference will highlight a range of issues with governments, civil society and other key stakeholders on how best to progress LGBT equality.

    We will provide better travel advice for LGBT people. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office will continue to update and regularly review our travel advice for LGBT people. In particular, we will work with partners to ensure that our advice to trans travellers going abroad for medical treatment is as informative and up-to-date as possible. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office will ensure that issues specific to LGBT travellers are addressed in travel advice communications.

    We will promote LGBT rights through multilateral organisations, the private sector and international civil society organisations. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office will continue to work through UK embassies, high commissions and through international organisations, including the United Nations, European institution and the Commonwealth, to protect and promote LGBT rights and to address laws discriminating against LGBT people. The UK will consider putting in a bid to co-chair the Equal Rights Coalition in 2019.

    We will provide funding to promote LGBT equality worldwide. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office Magna Carta Fund for Human Rights and Democracy has committed £1.1 million to support LGBT rights projects worldwide in 2018 and 2019. The Government Equalities Office will provide match funding to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development work on reviewing LGBT inclusiveness. As part of the Department for International Development’s new funding mechanism – UK Aid Connect – and in recognition of the importance of global LGBT inclusion, the Department for International Development will provide up to £12 million over 4 years, from 2018 to 2022, for a consortium of organisations to work together to promote LGBT inclusion.

    Here’s what the government plans are in other key areas:

    Education | Healthcare | Representation | Workplace | International | Safety

  • Anti-gay laws are ‘wrong’, British PM tells Commonwealth

    British Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday told former colonies anti-gay laws once imposed by her country “were wrong then, and they are wrong now”. The premier raised discriminatory legislation affecting same-sex couples, women and girls, in an address to Commonwealth leaders in London. (more…)

  • Protest for Commonwealth gay rights to take place today outside Westminster

    Protest for Commonwealth gay rights to take place today outside Westminster

    Peter Tatchell is leading a protest for gay rights for LGBT+ people in the Commonwealth.

    With the Queen in attendance for Commonwealth Day, leading LGBT+ and human rights campaigner, Peter Tatchell will be heading a protest outside Westminster Abbey to bring awareness to the homophobic laws which exist within 37 of the 53 countries in the Commonwealth.

    The vigil will include human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell and LGBT+ people from across the Commonwealth, some who have fled homophobic persecution and is due to take place on the 12th March from 2:00PM to 2:30PM.

    CREDIT: Monty McKinnen. Peter Tatchell will be leading the Protest outside Westminster Abbey, where the Queen will be in attendance.

    Over 100 million LGBT people are “are persecuted on a daily basis”

    Mr Tatchell said, “In sixty years of Commonwealth summits, LGBT+ issues have never been discussed by leaders, not even once. Surely in 2018, as London plays host to the summit, we can at least have a discussion with the Commonwealth Heads of Government? 100 to 200 million LGBT+ people are persecuted on a daily basis and treated as criminals in 70% of Commonwealth nations”.

    A Commonwealth of Inequality

    Out of the 53 countries in the Commonwealth, 37 criminalise homosexuality. Nine of those have life in imprisonment for same-sex relationships. In parts of two countries, there is even the death penalty for being homosexual or for having same-sex sexual relationships.

     

     

  • Speaker John Bercow: Time for the Commonwealth to do more for LGBTs

    The Speaker of the House of Commons, the Rt Hon John Bercow MP, in advance of the opening of the Commonwealth Games on 23 July, welcomed competitors from across the Commonwealth and wished the organisers a successful Games.

    As Glasgow readies itself for the Commonwealth Games, activists and allies are asking the public to remember that in 4 out of 5 countries within the Commonwealth it is still illegal to be LGBT.
    He commented,

    ‘I would like to offer the warmest welcome to the athletes competing in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. It is a fantastic sporting occasion, which I hope will be well supported, and it is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the spirit of the Commonwealth.’

    Mr Bercow is a keen sports player and recently published a book about male tennis players. He is an enthusiast of football and tennis, is an Arsenal season ticket holder and was a junior tennis champion. He regards it as part of his role in representing the House of Commons to support British sports, whenever possible.

    Commenting on the issue of LBGT rights, discrimination and the Commonwealth Games, John Bercow MP continued,

    ‘Sadly, there might be world-class athletes who will not be able to compete in the Games, as they will have been discriminated against on the basis of their sexuality; shamefully, it is estimated that 4 out of every 5 countries in the Commonwealth criminalise homosexuality. Surely, it is time for the Commonwealth to do more to support lesbian, gay, transsexual and bisexual people, to ensure they are not discriminated against, no matter where they live?’

    COMMONWEALTH HOMOPHOBIA
    Peter Tatchell has urged Alex Salmond, Scotland’s First Minister to condemn the ‘Commonwealth homophobia’. In a statement Tatchell said, ‘We are asking Scotland’s First Minister, Alex Salmond, to express his grave concern at the persecution of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and inter-sex (LGBTI) people in 42 of the 53 Commonwealth member states. We urge him to appeal to all participating countries to adhere to Article 7 of the Commonwealth Games Federation constitution, which prohibits all discrimination,

    ‘Countries that refuse to support Article 7 – or that perpetuate discrimination in access to sports facilities, training camps or team selection – should be barred from participating in the Commonwealth Games. If they are not prepared to abide by Article 7 they have no right to come to Glasgow or future Commonwealth Games.’

  • The Commonwealth Condemned at Pride In London parade

    African LGBT activists will march alongside the Peter Tatchell Foundation near the head of the annual Pride London parade this Saturday, 28 June, to protest against the persecution of LGBT people in 80 per cent of the 53 Commonwealth member states – many of them African nations.

    We are calling on 42 Commonwealth countries to repeal their criminalisation of same-sex relationships and to protect their lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) citizens against discrimination and hate crime – in accordance with the principles of the Commonwealth Charter,’ said Peter Tatchell, Director of the human rights organisation, the Peter Tatchell Foundation.

    ‘We are urging the organisers of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in July to require every competing nation to sign a pledge to not discriminate in the selection of athletes for their national team. Article 7 of the Commonwealth Games Federation constitution prohibits all discrimination. But it is widely believed that most Commonwealth nations would refuse to select a LGBT athlete,’ he said.

    Peter Tatchell has written to the Chief Executive of Glasgow 2014, David Grevemberg, asking him to ensure that all countries participating in the Commonwealth Games sign a non-discrimination pledge.

    Peter Tatchell helped organise Britain’s first Gay Pride march, which took place in London in 1972. He has attended every Pride London parade since then.

    ‘Forty-two of the 53 Commonwealth member states criminalise homosexuality, with seven of them stipulating life imprisonment and two of them – Pakistan and Nigeria – having the death penalty under Sharia law in some regions,’ noted Mr Tatchell.

    Marching in a joint contingent with the Peter Tatchell Foundation on Saturday will be African activists from Uganda, Nigeria and other African nations – including the African LGBTI Out and Proud Diamond Group and Nigerian LGBTIs in the Diaspora Against Anti-Same-Sex Laws.

    On Saturday, we are meeting at 12.30pm at the corner of Baker Street and Wigmore Street W1 (opposite Portman Square).
    The Pride London parade leaves at 1pm sharp.

    Edwin Sesange, Coordinator of the African LGBTI Out and Proud Diamond Group, said:
    ‘It is unfortunate that the Commonwealth has failed to implement its own charter on human rights, which the Secretary General has said includes rejection of discrimination against gay people and any other form of discrimination. The Commonwealth should show leadership by directly challenging homophobia and transphobia in its member states, in the same way that it eventually opposed apartheid in South Africa. The Commonwealth Secretariat says it opposes anti-gay persecution but it takes little action.’

    Yemisi Ilesanmi, Coordinator of Nigerian LGBTIs in the Diaspora Against Anti-Same-Sex Laws, added:
    ‘It is saddening that 80% of Commonwealth countries discriminate against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and inter-sex (LGBTI) people. In this age of democracy, every progressive nation should endeavour to protect the human rights of every citizen. No one is less of a human being because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Acknowledging and protecting LGBTI rights as human rights is a step forward for humanity. It is shameful that the Commonwealth of nations has not taken this important step. We continue to call on the Commonwealth to stand up for the rights of its LGBTI citizens. Every human deserves human rights. LGBTI rights are human rights.’

  • Peter Tatchell Criticises The Queen For “Disrespect” To LGBT Community

    Peter Tatchell suggests Queen is ‘disrespectful’ for double standards, in PinkNews article. Does he have a point?

    (more…)

  • Will The Queen Address Anti-Gay Discrimination In Commonwealth Speech?

    For the first time in Her Majesty’s 61 year reign, the Queen has signalled that she supports gay rights.

    In a live television broadcast the British monarch will sign a new Commonwealth charter designed to stamp out discrimination against the LGBT community and promote the ‘empowerment’ of women. The broadcast has been described as a “watershed” moment.

    The charter reads:

    “We are implacably opposed to all forms of discrimination, whether rooted in gender, race, colour, creed, political belief or other grounds.”

    The ‘other grounds’ clause within the charter is intended to refer to sexuality, however, the Daily Mail reports the terms gay and lesbian were omitted because some Commonwealth countries still have anti-gay laws.

    A diplomatic source said:

    A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace, said:

    “In this charter, the Queen is endorsing a decision taken by the Commonwealth.”

    But he added:

    “The Queen does not take a personal view on these issues. The Queen’s position is apolitical, as it is on all matters of this sort.”

    Ben Summerskill of Stonewall, said the Queen had taken “an historic step forward” on gay rights, and said “The Palace has finally caught up with public opinion.”

    Homosexual acts are still illegal in 41 of the 54 Commonwealth Nations – and include penalties such as the death sentence in parts of Nigeria. Those found guilty of a homosexual act can expect life sentences in prison in Trinidad, Tobago, Malaysia, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda, Bangladesh and Guyana.

    Only five Commonwealth countries recognise same-sex relationships, the UK, Australia, Canada, South Africa and New Zealand.

    The Queen will be joined by Beverly Knight, the Noisettes and Sir Richard Branson at a service at Westminster Abbey, before making her address.