Queen Elizabeth Takes Historic Stand Against Discrimination
Queen Elizabeth II is set to make history later today when she signs a new charter taking a stand against discrimination, which some have interpreted as tacit support of gay rights.
The 86-year-old matriarch will sign the agreement at a reception this evening to show her support. With the stroke of the pen, the queen will be making a symbolic pledge for equal rights for billions of people in 54 countries in the British Commonwealth around the world.
The Commonwealth Charter states opposition to "all forms of discrimination, whether rooted in gender, race, color, creed, political belief or other grounds."
"This is believed to be the first time she's shown her support of gay rights. That's a big step," ABC News royal contributor Victoria Arbiter said.
The queen, who is recovering from gastroenteritis after being hospitalized last week, cancelled an event at Westminster Abbey marking Commonwealth Day, but will attend an evening reception to sign the charter, according to the Palace.
The queen, who is recovering from gastroenteritis after being hospitalized last week, cancelled an event at Westminster Abbey marking Commonwealth Day, but will attend an evening reception to sign the charter, according to the Palace.
The charter is still only a symbolic step for many of the 54 countries because homosexuality is still illegal in 41 of the nations in the British Commonwealth.
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