God save the rainbow Queen!

Today Queen Elizabeth is expected to sign the Commonwealth Charter, which lists the core values of the 54 member states. The following statement is included in the charter:

"We are implacably opposed to all forms of discrimination, whether rooted in gender, race, colour, creed, political belief or other grounds."

The Daily Mail says: "The ‘other grounds’ is intended to refer to sexuality – but specific reference to ‘gays and lesbians’ was omitted in deference to Commonwealth countries with draconian anti-gay laws. Sources close to the Royal Household said she is aware of the implications of the charter’s implicit support of gay rights and commitment to gender equality."

Although we can hardly expect the Queen to be marching in gay pride parades, the fact that she is signing the charter and understands what it means is a great step in the right direction for an extremely traditional culture (the British monarchy). This is particularly important because more than 80 percent of Commonwealth countries have anti-gay legislation. She is setting an important example by standing up for equality and justice.

God save our rainbow Queen!