Global Equality Caucus Hosts Side Event at the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference

During the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference, the Global Equality Caucus (GEC) through its Commonwealth Lead, Sheriff Mothopeng, hosted a vibrant side event that brought together 27 participants from six CPA regions — Africa, Australia, BIM, CAA, Canada, and the Pacific — alongside two local advocates from Barbados, supported by UNDP. 

Legislators and advocates from across the Commonwealth shared country updates highlighting both progress and ongoing challenges. Belize reflected on advances and barriers toward full rainbow equality; the Cook Islands detailed how consensus was built for legal reform in a deeply religious society; Fiji celebrated the visibility of its first transgender candidate; and Niue shared how same-sex relations were removed from the country’s buggery law. Meanwhile, Barbados presented promising updates on legal progress, and Canada emphasized the need for vigilance as global trends threaten to reverse hard-won rights.

Four key themes emerged: solidarity, by fostering mutual support across regions; resources, through sharing success stories and tools like advocacy videos; rights, by centering human rights and equality over religious divides; and vigilance, recognising the need to safeguard progress against regressive movements.

Spaces where representatives from across regions can exchange experiences, strategies, and lessons are essential to advancing equality and democratic values within the Commonwealth. The Global Equality Caucus looks forward to continuing to connect with legislators and allies to strengthen inclusive governance and collective progress toward equality for all.