Ian McKellen joins march for LGBTQ+ equality in Commonwealth countries
Actor among protesters in central London highlighting laws in 29 countries where same-sex relationships remain illegal
TL;DR
- Ian McKellen joined a march in London protesting the criminalization of LGBTQ+ people in Commonwealth countries.
- Laws in 29 Commonwealth nations make same-sex relationships illegal, with six countries imposing life imprisonment and two having the death penalty.
- McKellen stated that these laws were introduced by Britain during its empire and have since been repealed in the UK.
- The demonstration, organized by the Peter Tatchell Foundation and the Out and Proud African LGBTI Network, protested outside several high commissions.
- Protesters called for King Charles to apologize for past monarchs' actions and highlighted 75 years of homophobic persecution.
- McKellen expressed hope that the march would encourage the Commonwealth to discuss and address this issue, which is currently not on its agenda.