In a historic ceremony reminiscent of William the Conqueror’s coronation in 1066, Charles III was anointed king alongside his wife Camilla as queen consort at Westminster Abbey in London. As the world watches this new chapter in the British monarchy, many in the LGBTQ community are eager to see if King Charles III will take a more vocal stance on LGBTQ rights.
Queen Elizabeth’s 70-year reign saw significant advancements in LGBTQ rights, including the partial decriminalization of homosexuality in 1967 and the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act in 2014. However, the late queen refrained from commenting publicly on LGBTQ rights, leaving some wondering if Charles III will continue this legacy of silence or embrace a more proactive approach to social and political issues.
The Commonwealth’s LGBTQ Challenges
Many countries within the Commonwealth, which Charles now heads, still criminalize same-sex relations, a lingering legacy of the British Empire. Elton John has expressed confidence that Charles will work to decriminalize homosexuality across the Commonwealth, though others are more skeptical.
Emma Eastwood, head of strategic communications for Human Dignity Trust, an organization that works to overturn anti-LGBTQ laws worldwide, notes that LGBTQ rights in the Commonwealth are changing rapidly but unevenly. She emphasizes the importance of the UK owning up to its past and supporting LGBTQ people around the world.
With King Charles III’s reign now underway, the question remains whether he will use his platform to advocate for LGBTQ rights or continue the tradition of royal silence. As former colonies within the Commonwealth work to recant anti-LGBTQ laws, the world will be watching to see if this new monarch will take a stand on an issue that affects millions across the globe.