📧 Email to the Commonwealth Secretariat

Subject: Commonwealth Criminalisation of LGBTQ+ People

Dear Secretariat Team,

I am writing regarding the continued criminalisation of LGBTQ+ people in twenty‑nine Commonwealth member states. Many of these laws originate from British colonial statutes and continue to enable arrest, extortion, police violence, and forced displacement.

I am seeking clarification on the Secretariat’s current position on:

• supporting decriminalisation as a Commonwealth priority
• engaging with civil‑society organisations in criminalising states
• ensuring LGBTQ+ rights are included in CHOGM discussions

I would appreciate a clear statement of the Secretariat’s stance.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

📝 Formal Letter to the Commonwealth Secretariat

[Your Address] [Date]

Commonwealth Secretariat Marlborough House Pall Mall London SW1Y 5HX United Kingdom

To the Commonwealth Secretariat,

I am writing to request information on the Commonwealth’s position regarding the ongoing criminalisation of LGBTQ+ people in twenty‑nine member states. These laws, many of which were introduced under British colonial administration, continue to cause significant harm, including arrest, police harassment, mob violence, and forced migration. Trans people are often targeted first because their visibility makes them more exposed to policing, discrimination, and violence.

Human‑rights organisations such as Amnesty International, the Human Dignity Trust, Kaleidoscope Trust, and the Peter Tatchell Foundation all document consistent patterns of abuse against LGBT+ citizens across the Commonwealth, while LGBTQ+ refugees from criminalising states continue to seek protection in Commonwealth countries, including Australia.

I am seeking clarification on the following points:

1. whether the Secretariat supports raising LGBTQ+ decriminalisation at the next CHOGM
2. whether the Secretariat recognises the colonial origins of these laws and their ongoing impact
3. what steps the Secretariat is taking to engage with civil‑society organisations in criminalising states
4. whether the Secretariat intends to adopt a clearer public position on the repeal of these laws

The Commonwealth’s stated commitment to equality and human dignity requires clarity on this issue. I would welcome a direct response outlining the Secretariat’s position.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

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🇦🇺 Letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

To: The Hon Anthony Albanese MP
Prime Minister of Australia
Parliament House Canberra ACT 2600 Australia
Email: prime.minister@pm.gov.au

Subject: Australia’s Role in Addressing LGBTQ+ Criminalisation in the Commonwealth

Dear Prime Minister Albanese,

I am writing to ask that Australia use its position within the Commonwealth to raise the issue of LGBTQ+ criminalisation in member states.

More than half of Commonwealth countries retain laws that criminalise same‑sex relationships. These laws conflict with the Commonwealth Charter’s commitments to equality, human dignity, and non‑discrimination, and they expose LGBTQ+ people to violence, arrest, and systemic exclusion. Trans people are often targeted first because their visibility makes them more exposed to policing, discrimination, and violence.

Australia has a strong record of supporting human rights internationally. As a leading Commonwealth member, Australia is well placed to encourage reform, raise concerns through diplomatic channels, and support civil‑society organisations working for decriminalisation.

I respectfully request that your government:
• raise LGBTQ+ criminalisation in Commonwealth forums and bilateral discussions
• support member states pursuing legal reform
• encourage the Commonwealth Secretariat to prioritise human‑rights compliance

Thank you for your leadership and for Australia’s ongoing commitment to equality and human rights.

Yours most respectfully,
[Your name]

🇦🇺 Letter to Senator Penny Wong

To: Senator the Hon Penny Wong
Minister for Foreign Affairs
Parliament House Canberra ACT 2600 Australia
Email: penny.wong@dfat.gov.au

Subject: Commonwealth Advocacy on LGBTQ+ Criminalisation

Dear Minister Wong,

I am writing to ask that the Australian Government continue to raise the issue of LGBTQ+ criminalisation within the Commonwealth.

More than half of Commonwealth countries retain laws that criminalise same‑sex relationships. These laws conflict with the Commonwealth Charter and place LGBTQ+ people at risk of arrest, violence, and discrimination. Trans people are often targeted first because their visibility makes them more exposed to policing, discrimination, and violence.

Australia has consistently supported human‑rights protections in international forums. As Australia’s lead on Commonwealth diplomacy, your voice carries significant weight in encouraging reform and supporting civil‑society organisations working toward decriminalisation.

I respectfully request that the Australian Government:
• raise LGBTQ+ criminalisation in bilateral and multilateral Commonwealth discussions
• encourage the Commonwealth Secretariat’s Political Affairs Division to prioritise human‑rights compliance
• support member states and civil‑society groups pursuing legal reform

Thank you for your continued commitment to equality, dignity, and human rights.

Yours most respectfully,
[Your name]

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