Theresa May has urged Commonwealth nations to overhaul “outdated" anti-gay laws and said the UK "deeply regrets" the legacy of violence and discrimination left behind.
The prime minister drew cheers and applause as she addressed the Commonwealth heads of government meeting (CHOGM), where she declared "nobody should face discrimination or persecution because of who they are or who they love".
Campaigners have urged Ms May to intervene over the colonial-era legislation, which treats millions of LGBT people across the 53-nation network as criminals.
However she failed to mention the Windrush controversy in a major speech, ahead of a meeting with Commonwealth leaders over the possible deportation of citizens who came to the UK as early as the 1940s.
Speaking at an event in London, Ms May said: "I am all too aware that these laws were often put in place by my own country. They were wrong then and they are wrong now.
"As the United Kingdom's Prime Minister I deeply regret both the fact that such laws were introduced and the legacy of discrimination, violence and death that persists today.
"As a family of nations we must respect one another's cultures and traditions but we must do so in a manner consistent with our common value of equality - a value that is clearly stated in the Commonwealth Charter.
"Nobody should face discrimination or persecution because of who they are or who they love and the UK stands ready to help any Commonwealth member wanting to reform outdated legislation that makes such discrimination possible."
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