King Charles III urged to apologise for Britain’s export of anti-LGBT+ laws to colonies
On Commonwealth Day, Monday 9 March, the Peter Tatchell Foundation will stage a protest outside Westminster Abbey as the Commonwealth service takes place, from 3pm calling for urgent action by the King to address the legacy of anti-LGBT+ laws imposed during the British Empire.
Fifty activists, including campaigners from Uganda, Bangladesh and other Commonwealth nations, will gather to highlight the fact that 29 Commonwealth countries still criminalise same-sex relationships — nearly all under laws derived from Britain’s colonial-era penal codes. Most former colonies retained these statutes after independence.
The LGBT+ campaigners from Commonwealth countries where being gay is still a crime, will then march to Buckingham Palace to deliver a formal letter to His Majesty King Charles III. It urges him, as Head of the Commonwealth, to apologise for Britain’s historical role in exporting these laws and to acknowledge the harm they continue to cause.
Peter Tatchell, Director of the Peter Tatchell Foundation, said:
“The criminalisation of LGBT+ people across most of the Commonwealth was imposed through British colonial rule and in the name of successive monarchs. These laws were exported from Westminster and embedded in penal codes in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Pacific.
“An apology from the King would not interfere in the sovereignty of Commonwealth nations. It would acknowledge historical truth and be consistent with the human rights principles of the Commonwealth Charter. Decriminalisation is not Western interference – criminalisation was,” said Mr Tatchell.
Abbey Kiwanuka, Ugandan LGBT+ activist from Out and Proud African LGBTI, said:
“In Uganda and elsewhere, politicians often claim anti-gay laws defend ‘African values.’ But these laws were introduced by British colonial authorities. They are not indigenous traditions — they are colonial exports.
When the Head of the Commonwealth acknowledges this history, it strengthens our human rights struggle. An apology would give hope to LGBTs facing imprisonment, violence and discrimination”, he said.
The Peter Tatchell Foundation is urging the Commonwealth to live up to its Charter commitment to equality, human rights and dignity for all.
It should be clearly noted that I am a Monarchist and fully support the British Empire (as I still prefer to call it) and Australia’s ‘membership’ thereof.
Whilst I am not a huge fan of protests, Peter (we know each other) has a valid point. Apologising for the wrongs of the past means a great deal to those for whom the legislation was directed. That’s a GOOD thing that makes diddily-squat difference to the history books nor does it sully the good name of those who currently rule. Although essentially symbolic this one gesture will change people’s lives for the better.
God Save the King. Long May He Reign Over Us.
Reuters: Royal Household 2023/Hugo Burnand/Handout
I would seriously and sincerely love to know your opinion.