Sir Ian McKellen launched a march against the criminalisation of LGBTQ+ people in Commonwealth countries, branding it an “appalling situation”.
The actor and activist joined protesters in central London to highlight laws in 29 Commonwealth countries where same-sex relationships remain illegal.
In six of those countries, LGBTQ+ people face life imprisonment, while Uganda and Nigeria still carry the death penalty.
Before addressing the crowd, Sir Ian told the Press Association: “When Britain had an empire, it introduced into countries far away from here the laws that we had in this country, including the laws against gay people.
“Those laws have quite rightly been repealed in this country where gay people live freely and openly alongside the rest of the population, but those old laws, those British laws, those foreign laws remain stuck in the remnants of the British Empire now known as the Commonwealth.
“Unfortunately half of the Commonwealth countries stick with those old laws, and our plea to them today is to live up to the standards and declaration of the Commonwealth and repeal them.”
The demonstration, billed as the “Commonwealth Walk of Shame”, was organised by the Peter Tatchell Foundation and the Out and Proud African LGBTI Network.
After being addressed by Sir Ian, along with Nigerian activist Babatunde Akanwale Osunseyi, the marchers set off to protest outside the high commissions of eight Commonwealth countries that criminalise LGBTQ+ people.
They began outside the Nigerian High Commission building before heading to those of Uganda, Papua New Guinea, Trinidad & Tobago, Ghana, Jamaica, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
Sir Ian noted that while it was not a “huge march” he hoped “word will get back” to people in those countries that they are supported.
He said: “This is a heartfelt demonstration and I hope word will get back to people who are some of them living in hiding because they’re frightened of the laws of the land and treatment by fellow citizens.
“It’s an appalling situation, and any little bit that we could do to show support I think will be appreciated.”
The crowd held up signs calling for the King to “apologise for previous monarchs” and calling out “75 years” of homophobic persecution.
The Lord Of The Rings star told the crowd that this demonstration was “not about hatred” but about a “a love of justice, a love of equality”.
He said that much of the anti-LGBTQ+ hatred seen across Africa and Asia was “exported there” by “cruel” colonial laws.
Asked what he hoped the demonstration would achieve along with a show of support, Sir Ian pointed to the lack of discussion about the issue.
He said: “Perhaps they could show a little bit more interest in actually what the Commonwealth does and what it doesn’t do.
“One thing it doesn’t do is ever discuss this problem.
“It’s never on the agenda, and perhaps events like this will just nudge politicians into talking about something which is of such concern.”
