Download This PaperLiving a Life of Crime: The Ongoing Criminalisation of Homosexuality within the Commonwealth
(2014) 39(2) Alternative Law Journal 78
Monash University Faculty of Law Legal Studies Research Paper No. 2013/63
6 Pages Posted: 21 Jul 2014 Last revised: 29 Jul 2014
Date Written: July 21, 2014
Abstract
Forty-two of the 53 countries that comprise the Commonwealth of Nations still criminalise homosexuality. Men, and in some countries, women can be imprisoned and, in the case of men, even sentenced to death for engaging in same-sex sexual conduct between consenting adults. After analysing the situation in Commonwealth countries in different geographic regions, this article concludes that the Commonwealth is unlikely to be able to persuade its member nations that they should repeal such laws. However, there are roles that the United Nations and global civil society can play in helping to transform these 42 countries into nations that value diversity and respect the rights of all citizens, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Keywords: Commonwealth, LGBT, LGBTI, Homosexuality, Human rights
JEL Classification: K10, K14, J71, K42
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation
