Peter Tatchell

The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Kamalesh Sharma, is under pressure from gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchell to speak out against the "widespread homophobic persecution that exists in most Commonwealth member states, in violation of the Commonwealth principles of equality, non-discrimination and human rights."

In particular, Mr Sharma is being urged to condemn Uganda's new Anti-Homosexuality Bill, which proposes the death penalty for "aggravated homosexuality" and "serial offenders."

In a statement Mr Tatchell accuses Commonwealth leaders of a "systematic, persistent failure to condemn homophobic discrimination and violence."

"Anti-gay persecution in Commonwealth countries includes discriminatory laws that criminalise same sex relations, with maximum penalities ranging up to life imprisonment. Many LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) Commonwealth citizens are at risk of arrest, torture, rape, imprisonment and extra-judicial murder."

He has written to the Commonwealth Secretary-General, urging him to speak out against the victimisation of lesbian and gay people at the up-coming summit meeting of the 53 member states of the Commonwealth association of nations. It is taking place in Trinidad and Tobago this weekend  November 27 - 29.  

To read the full text of Mr Tatchell's statement visit:
www.petertatchell.net