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Core Topics => In the Media => Topic started by: Wildcat on November 24, 2015, 07:56:17 PM
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Is the UK to blame for anti-gay laws around the world?
The British Empire’s legacy is not one to be proud of – a new report says that modern-day Britain must call for the decriminalisation of homosexuality across the world
Arts+Culture News
6 hours ago
Text Alex Denney
Uganda anti-gay protesters
Ugandan anti-gay protesters – the country declared the law null and void last year but ministers are still trying to bring it back
While gay rights are undoubtedly improving across the world, there is still a lot of work to be done – particularly, it would appear, in Commonwealth countries. As it stands, homosexuality is illegal in 40 of the 53 former territories of the British Empire, with criminal laws often more aggressively enforced than in other parts of the world.
A study conducted by the Human Dignity Trust argues that the statistics point to a “British colonial legacy” which UK authorities have a duty to challenge, with the trust calling on Prime Minister David Cameron to push for decriminalisation ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Malta this week.
LGBT people in countries where homosexuality is illegal are often shamed into silence when it comes to receiving treatment for sexually transmitted diseases, for fear of being demonised or arrested. The report also claims there is a “direct link” between anti-LGBTQ legislation and increased rates of HIV, owing to a lack of healthcare and sex education tailored to the needs of LGBTQ citizens.
Other commentators were less inclined to point the finger at British colonial past. Michael Kirby, a member of the Commonwealth Eminent Persons Group, praised the report for its findings but pointed to the fact that many Commonwealth countries with appalling track records on gay rights had gained independence years ago, and so should be held accountable for their own record in government. “It is pathetic to blame this on the British colonial administrators,” he said.
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I watched Milk
Last night
Although I had watched it before
I was still taken aback
By the anti-gay laws
Being homosexual is still illegal
In Nigeria
I'm sure it is in more African Countries
It can kind of be expected in such nations
But 'Merica has A LOT to learn
When it comes to
Our RIGHTS