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Urgent Call to Protect LGBTI+ Rights Across the Commonwealth

The increasing violence and discrimination we are seeing against the LGBTI+ community in Sri Lanka, Namibia, Uganda, and other Commonwealth member states is alarming and demands immediate attention.

  • Sri Lanka’s highest court has shot down a government bill seeking gender equality arguing it could set a legal precedent for the decriminalisation of homosexuality and same-sex marriage.
  • Ghana’s parliament has passed legislation that hurts the rights of LGBTQ people and imposes a prison sentence of up to five years for the “wilful promotion, sponsorship or support of LGBTQ+ activities.” While the bill still has to be validated by the president before becoming law it nevertheless is an urgent existential concern for LGBTI+ communities and organisations based in Ghana.
  • The situation in Uganda, given its ongoing chronic nature, demands immediate and decisive action. The Anti-Homosexuality Act and its draconian measures have led to a climate of fear and persecution for LGBTI+ individuals.
  • Following Namibia’s High Court decision to strike down the colonial era sodomy laws, the anti-LGBTI+ sentiments are high, causing activists to go underground and enact security protocols for their physical safety.

As a number of Commonwealth countries hold elections, we are already seeing anti-LGBTI+ rhetoric being used by politicians and candidates as a tool to stoke division, divide communities, and further create a hostile environment for already vulnerable communities.

As we approach the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) taking place in Samoa this October, we urge the Secretary-General to take a strong and decisive stand against these grave violations of human rights.

We call on the Secretary-General to denounce these attacks and remind member states of their obligations under the Commonwealth Charter.

In the forthcoming selection, we expect the three candidates seeking to become the next Secretary-General to use the coming weeks to affirm their support for the LGBTI+ community.

We urge the UK government to lead by example, leveraging its influence within the Commonwealth to advocate for the protection and advancement of LGBTI+ rights. The UK must take concrete action to support vulnerable communities and challenge the rising tide of intolerance across the Commonwealth.

Now is the time for bold leadership. We are calling for immediate action to safeguard the rights and dignity of LGBTI+ individuals across the Commonwealth to live free, safe and equal lives.