End anti-gay colonial laws, May urges fellow leaders

THERESA MAY has urged Commonwealth countries to bring to an end anti-homosexual legislation that is a legacy of Britain’s colonial rule.

The Prime Minister told the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (Chogm) in London that the UK would support member states which sought to reform “outdated” legislation affecting same-sex relationships, or failed to protect women and girls.

Her words were welcomed by homosexual activists, but came hours after a Trinidadian bishop had accused the UK of “a sort of neo-colonialism” by urging states to legalise homosexuality.

Same-sex relations are still illegal in 36 out of 53 Commonwealth member states, including nine where they carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Mrs May told the Chogm event at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre in Westminster: “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 United Kingdom’s Prime Minister I deeply regret both the fact that such laws were introduced and the legacy of discrimination, violence and 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.

“Nobody should face discrimination or persecution because of who they are or who they love and the UK stands ready to help any Commonwealth member wanting to reform outdated legislation that makes such discrimination possible.”