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Theresa May asks that anti-Same-Sex laws be Removed in Commonwealth Nations

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Theresa May asks that anti-Same-Sex laws be Removed in Commonwealth Nations - BellaNaija

LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 16: British Prime Minister Theresa May speaks at the Business Forum Opening Session on the first day of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2018 at the Guildhall on April 16, 2018 in London, England. The UK this week hosts heads of state and government from the Commonwealth nations. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images)

British Prime Minister Theresa May has asked leaders of all Commonwealth nations to remove laws criminalising same-sex relationships, The Cable reports.

May said this at the Commonwealth Head of Government Meetings in Westminster, where President Muhammadu Buhari is currently in attendance.

No one should face discrimination based on who they are or who they love, Theresa May said.

She added that she’s aware her country put these laws into place years ago, but they were wrong then, she said.

Across the world, discriminatory laws made many years ago, continue to affect the lives of many people  tens of millions of young people. Criminalising same-sex relations and failing to protect women and girls.

I am all too aware that these laws were put in place by my own country; they were wrong then and they are wrong now.

As the UK’s prime minister, I deeply regret that those laws were introduced…as a family, we must respect one another’s cultures and traditions, but we must do so in a manner consistent with equality, as it 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because of who they are or who they love and the UK stands ready to help any Commonwealth member wanting to reform outdated legislation that makes such discrimination possible.

Former president, Goodluck Jonathan, signed the Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Bill (SSMPA) into law in January 2014.

Photo Credit: Jack Taylor/Getty Images

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