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CAMPAIGN: Peter Tatchell at a recent demonstration

GAY RIGHTS campaigner Peter Tatchell has urged the Commonwealth nations to do more to combat homophobia.

During a meeting at Marlborough House in London, Tatchell held discussions to debate the best way for the Commonwealth to advance lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and inter-sex (LGBTI) human rights.

“While some progress is being made, it is painfully slow. More reform is needed urgently. Nearly 80 per cent of the 54 Commonwealth countries still criminalise homosexuality,” the former politician stated.

“The recently intensified state-sanctioned homophobic repression in Zambia, Uganda, Cameroon, Nigeria and The Gambia is a worrying trend.”

Joined in the discussions by Karen McKenzie, Acting Head of Human Rights, and David Banks, Public Affairs Adviser to the Secretary-General, Tatchell stated that the local media in these countries have an important role to play.

“If government representatives and local media can be made better aware of LGBTI issues it can help build understanding and lessen repression. In countries like Uganda, more objective and sympathetic media reporting is crucial for the diminution of anti-LGBT prejudice, discrimination and violence.”

Tatchell, who heads the Peter Tatchell Foundation, is looking to reinforce LGBTI issues at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Colombo, Sri Lanka, in November and the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014.