Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday said Britain \u201cdeeply regrets\u201d introducing laws that criminalised same-sex relations in India and elsewhere in the former British Empire, but did not tender an apology as demanded by campaigners.<\/p>\n
Speaking at the joint plenary forum of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, May said London would support any member-state seeking to reform outdated legislation. She also funding of \u00a3212 million for girls\u2019 education in the group.<\/p>\n
India is among some 36 countries in the Commonwealth where same-sex relations face criminal charges. Indian courts are currently hearing a case brought by campaigners to set aside Article 377 of the Indian Penal Code, enacted during British rule, to criminalise such relations.<\/p>\n
May told the audience that included Microsoft founder Bill Gates and Jamaica Prime Minister Andrew Holness: \u201cI 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs the UK\u2019s Prime Minister, I deeply regret both the fact that such laws were introduced, and the legacy of discrimination, violence and even death that persists today. As a family of nations we must respect one another\u2019s cultures and traditions.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut we must do so in a manner consistent with our common value of equality, a value that is clearly stated in the Commonwealth charter. Recent years have brought welcome progress\u2026Yet there remains much to do. Nobody should face persecution or discrimination because of who they are or who they love.\u201d<\/p>\n
Human Rights and LGBT campaigner Peter Tatchell, who last week called on May to tender an apology at CHOGM, said: \u201cWe thank Theresa May for heeding our appeal and expressing deep regret for Britain\u2019s imposition of homophobic laws during the colonial era.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is a positive and welcome move. But it should have been made in front of the Commonwealth leaders who oversee the enforcement of these repressive laws, not at a NGO side event. This statement of regret cannot be easily dismissed and disparaged by Commonwealth heads of government.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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