Being gay is ILLEGAL in 37 of the 53 Commonwealth countries. Should Britain intervene? Students from four London universities have their say…
Living in the UK, it can be easy to forgot that millions of people over the world still don’t have the freedoms that we take for granted.
This was starkly highlighted this week, when it emerged that anti-gay laws are still in place in 70% of Commonwealth countries – meaning more than 100 million gay, lesbian and bisexual people in the Commonwealth are classed as criminals and face imprisonment and worse.
The Commonwealth is an intergovernmental organisation of 53 member states spanning Europe, Africa, Asia, the Americas and the Pacific, most of which were previously territories of the British Empire.
Speaking at the Commonwealth heads of government meeting which took place in London this week, Theresa May attempted to tackle this issue, telling Commonwealth leaders: “Nobody should face persecution or discrimination because of who they love.”
Before adding: “The UK stands ready to support any Commonwealth member wanting to reform outdated legislation that makes such discrimination possible.”
Although this issue might sound pretty black and white – the fact that being gay is illegal anywhere in 2018 is completely outrageous – it’s not.
Not only were these discriminatory laws actually put in place by the British during the colonial era, but many people feel uneasy with the idea of the UK asserting their authority over sovereign Commonwealth states.
Trinidadian anti-gay rights campaigner Bishop Victor Gill accused Theresa May of “neo-colonialism” for pushing the issue, adding: “The gay agenda is being forced on us.”
Should the UK take a firmer stance on this issue? Or should Commonwealth countries be allowed to govern themselves without British interference?
We hit the streets to hear what students have to say…
Aaron, Greenwich University, Film studies
"It’s very surprising, I would have thought the number would be much less. In terms of enforcement, I think we should lead by example and look for more political or diplomatic solutions. I think the countries are independent now so for England to enforce any laws or changes is a step backward regardless of the morality behind them. Obviously we should argue our case and persuade them to change but enforce is a bit too strong, feels a bit too colonial."
Jacob, Southbank University, Multi-media Journalism
"I know some of the world isn't as progressive as we are in this country, but I really don't agree with it, it's very backwards. I don't think we should enforce our power in the Commonwealth countries, we've got enough problems at home and should allow other countries to be sovereign. We should definitely voice our opinion though."
Craig, Southbank University, Quantity Surveying
"I find it really surprising that it's criminal to be gay in these countries, I feel the UK should do something to change that but whether they legally can is another question."
Rhiannon, Greenwich University, Film studies
"It's definitely shocking because I would've thought that countries in the Commonwealth had similar laws to us, but I guess that that doesn't necessarily mean they have a similar moral standing. It's a difficult question because the fact that they are Commonwealth countries instantly suggests we have some duty to intervene. It would be nice to see us perhaps steer them in a more liberal direction but enforcing anything too harshly would probably just mean there would be backlash."
Adella, Katherine and Liz, University of Arts London, Performing Arts
"70% is a very big number, it's very shocking. Britain getting involved is probably the only way that this could change but we don't really know how they would be able to do this. It's a tricky situation given Britain's past though."
Kevin, Dante and Abdallah, Southbank University, Mechanical Engineering
"We thought that number would definitely have been reduced by now. It's definitely a grey area for Britain to get involved, but we need to encourage the message that gay or not, people are still human, they're still part of the community. We need to encourage other countries and send this message out."
Leanne, Southbank University, Multi-media Journalism
"It shocks me because we're in 2018 and everyone should just be equal, people should be able to be who they are, and our generation needs to do more about that. I think the UK should do more to raise awareness but we can't just take over these countries"
Lloyd, London College of Communication, Media
"I had no idea that criminalising homosexuality would even be morally acceptable in this day and age. I think Britain should definitely try and change this, but we need to start at home - going to other countries and telling them what to do will definitely cause backlash."
Sydney, Southbank University, Multi-media Journalism
"To be honest that doesn't shock me, gay rights have progressed a lot in the last 50 years or so, but we still have a long way to go. I feel like this country has come on a lot but we've still got quite a long way to go in terms of 100% equality, so telling other countries to sort out their problems is hypocritical."
Karis, University of Arts London, Fine Art
"I don't think British intervention has ever actually worked, we've never successfully changed anything by being in another country. Morally we should do something though, but rather than stamping our feet over there we should be giving refuge to people who can't live in their home country because of this."
Tyler, Greenwich University, Politics and International Relations
"70% is a lot of countries and I think the people of Britain should do something about. I think it would be fine for Britain to assert some authority in the commonwealth by doing something here that makes a difference"
