International Best Practice Guide to Equality on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

See 'Attachments' for full description. The Government Equalities Office are seeking the development of a guide which aims to share international best practice on equality with regard to protecting against discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression and sex characteristics. Although 36 out of 52 Commonwealth member states criminalise homosexuality, there has been progress in some parts of the Commonwealth, such as Nauru, Seychelles and Mozambique decriminalising same sex acts in the last couple of years. But positive achievements go beyond decriminalisation of same sex acts and a number of countries have laws protecting against discrimination in employment, allow organisations working on these issues to register, and/or have other inclusive policies. Celebrating and sharing these positive steps is vital in order to ensure this progress continues. The upcoming Commonwealth Summit presents an opportunity to engage with Commonwealth member states and continue the UK's special responsibility to advance equality across the Commonwealth for people with minority sexual orientations and gender identities.