Speaking to the Independent, Tim Farron has said that he’s disappointed that the Commonwealth Heads of Government Conference is not discussing the issue of LGBT rights.
But Tim Farron, the Liberal Democrat leader, said last night that the issue should have received greater prominence in Malta. He said: “Sadly, a majority of Commonwealth nations criminalise LGBT people, and in some places homosexuality still faces the death penalty.
The Government should have used the meeting in Malta to press commonwealth countries to live up to our collective values. We must be a beacon of human rights, tolerance and the defence of minorities. The British government must use our strong position to press the case for better LGBT rights in other Commonwealth nations.
The article reports that new Commonwealth Secretary General, Baroness Patricia Scotland, aims to persuade commonwealth member states to discuss the issue and would be talking to them about LGBT rights.
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4 Comments
Trudeau, son of Trudeau, upset the Queen by referring to his father. She often refers herself to her age, including the famous quote that she had had 100 Prime Ministers.
I argee with Tim that this is an issue that should be widely talked about. We shouldn’t be living in a world were people are unable to embrace their sexuality because of the thoughts of the trouble it may cause.
What better a way to set an example to parliamentarians overseas than to have a clear record himself of voting in favour of greater LGBT equality in this county, at every opportunity that has presented itself to him?
“a majority of Commonwealth nations criminalise LGBT people”
A truly shocking, shameful fact. I look forward to Sir Ian McKellen or another leading gay figure being announced to address the collected heads of government about this. I fear we might be waiting some time till this happens.