THE Queen was set to sign an historic charter today backing equal rights for women and gay people after it received the support of every Commonwealth nation.
In a live television broadcast marking Commonwealth Day, Her Majesty was due to endorse a pledge to stamp out discrimination against homosexuals and promote the “empowerment” of women in a drive to boost human rights and living standards across the Commonwealth.
The new Commonwealth Charter has been called a “21st Century Commonwealth Magna Carta” and reportedly says: “We are implacably opposed to all forms of discrimination, whether rooted in gender, race, colour, creed, political belief or other grounds.
“We recognise that gender equality and women’s empowerment are essential components of human development and basic human rights.
“The advancement of women’s rights and the
education of girls are critical preconditions for effective and sustainable development.”
The charter’s reference to “other grounds” is intended to refer to sexuality.
The Queen was expected to sign the document at London’s Marlborough House, the headquarters of the Commonwealth Secretariat, today, to mark Commonwealth Day. Before the Queen was due to make her speech, she was to celebrate the new charter at a service at Westminster Abbey in London. Commonwealth Day is traditionally marked by a multi-faith service with the Commonwealth Secretary-General and Commonwealth High Commissioners.
The charter comes as the UK Government is introducing new laws ending discrimination against women in the line of succession to the British throne.
This will mean that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s first baby can succeed to the throne, regardless of whether the child is a girl or a boy.
Comments
john33xyz 11 years, 9 months ago
So what is lauded as a unique, modern, and almost unbelievable event - seeing that is coming from an aged Queen - turns out to actually be a same-old, ancient, and quite believable and ordinary event not worthy of any attention whatsoever.
The article says that the Charter's reference to "other grounds" is "INTENDED" to refer to sexuality.
What a joke.
So in other words, they were unable to use the word "sexuality" in the Charter.
Amazing. But not at all unexpected. Change without any change at all.
wngriff223 11 years, 9 months ago
I thought the Commonwealth of the Bahamas was an Independent nation? Why does the Queen have a say so what goes on in any Commonwealth country? I know this is symbolic act, but because this is coming from a high profiled individual, this may have an impact on many Bahamians view in regards to same sex marriage. Marriage is between a man and a woman ONLY and was created by God thus this should not change and be honored. If this were to pass, I believe this beautiful country will suffer the consequences. By her saying this, Bahamians need to take a stand and come together and protest!! Why not start of by removing her picture from the Bahamian $100 bill? The Bahamas needs to reinstate hanging the Privy Counsel also needs to be abandoned, stop over throwing these cases that clearly the death penalty needed to be enforced, not overruled by them. Wake up Bahamians this is a free country, the British Government should not be running this country only Bahamians should!!
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