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Sir Ian McKellen joins march against ‘appalling’ LGBTQ+ laws in Commonwealth
The march highlighted colonial-era laws in 29 Commonwealth countries, with penalties reaching life imprisonment or death in some places.
- On Saturday, May 30, 87-year-old actor Sir Ian McKellen led the 'Commonwealth Walk of Shame' in London, protesting anti-LGBTQ+ laws in 29 Commonwealth nations starting outside the Nigeria High Commission.
- Colonial-Era laws originally imposed by the British Empire still criminalize same-sex relationships in these countries; McKellen described the situation as 'appalling,' noting many bans were 'exported there' by 'cruel' colonial legislation.
- Organized by the Peter Tatchell Foundation and Out and Proud African LGBTI, the demonstration included refugees who fled persecution, with marchers visiting high commissions of eight countries including Uganda and Bangladesh.
- Human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell urged Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey to address the issue, stating anti-LGBT+ victimization is incompatible with Commonwealth values. Protesters held signs demanding the King 'apologise for previous monarchs' and '75 years' of persecution.
- McKellen stated he hoped the demonstration would 'nudge politicians' to discuss the issue, which he claimed is rarely on the Commonwealth agenda, emphasizing the march aims to show support for those hiding from discriminatory laws.
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Sir Ian McKellen leads London protest against criminalisation of LGBT+ people in Commonwealth nations, urging reform of colonial-era anti-LGBT laws.
·Blackburn, United Kingdom
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Actor Ian McKellen joined forces with protesters in central London. The post Ian McKellen on the streets of London in support of LGBTQI+ rights appeared first on in.gr.
·Greece
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Total News Sources11
Leaning Left3Leaning Right0Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution62% Center
Bias Distribution
- 62% of the sources are Center
62% Center
L 38%
C 62%
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