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UK Prime Minister, Theresa May, on Tuesday said she “deeply regrets” Britain’s historical legacy of anti-gay laws across the Commonwealth.
She urged the Commonwealth nations to overhaul “outdated”, colonial-era legislation that treats more than 100 million lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people across the member countries as criminals.
She was speaking to an audience in London as the 53 leaders from the Commonwealth gathered for their annual summit
The audience applauded her as she said “nobody should face persecution or discrimination because of who they are or who they love.”
Same-sex relations are still illegal in 36 Commonwealth member states, including nine that have a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
Nigeria is one of the countries against same-sex marriage. The country’s laws stipulates a 14-year jail term for same sex offenders.
Speaking further, 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.
“As a family of nations we must respect one another’s cultures and traditions. But we must do so in a manner consistent with our common value of equality, a value that is clearly stated in the Commonwealth charter.
“There remains much to do. Nobody should face persecution or discrimination because of who they are or who they love. And the UK stands ready to support any Commonwealth member wanting to reform outdated legislation that makes such discrimination possible.”
This year’s summit is officially hosting gay rights activists under the umbrella of the Commonwealth Equality Network, giving grassroots campaigners the opportunity to lobby international government ministers and officials directly.