Located in Albion Street in Glasgow's Merchant City, the House, led by LEAP Sports Scotland, will welcome lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) athletes, fans and visitors throughout the Games, providing a welcoming place to view the competitions, and enjoy the events and cultural programmes planned around the Games.

It is due to open next Wednesday (July 23) to coincide with the Opening Ceremony of the Commonwealth Games at Celtic Park. 

Tatchell, director of the Peter Tatchell Foundation, has been a prominent human rights campaigner for a number of years, particularly against LGBT discrimination.

In a letter to Glasgow 2014 organisers, Tatchell has called on them to force competing nations at this year's Games to sign a pledge of non-discrimination in their team selection, in accordance with Article Seven of the constitution of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF).

He has also called for an extension to Article Seven to include an explicit pledge of non-discrimination based on ethnicity, caste, sexual orientation and gender identity.

Article Seven of the Constitution of the CGF currently states: "There shall be no discrimination against any country or person on any grounds whatsoever, including race, colour, gender, religion or politics."

The Australian-born Briton claims 42 of the 53 Commonwealth member countries have laws that criminalise homosexuality, with seven of these having a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

He also alleges people from the LGBT communities in Nigeria and Pakistan can face execution under Sharia law.

Peter Tatchell has called for a change to Article Seven of the Constitution of the Commonwealth Games Federation which covers discrimination ©LEAP Sports Scotland

"I am really proud and honoured to be a Champion of Pride House and to support the terrific work done by LEAP Sports Scotland," said Tatchell, 62. 

"Pride House is going to be a valued meeting point for LGBT athletes and spectators from across the Commonwealth.

"It will be a visible, positive presence at Glasgow 2014.

"This is especially important for LGBT visitors from Commonwealth countries where homophobia and transphobia forces LGBT people to hide their sexuality and gender identity - and threatens them with arrest and violence."

The Scottish Government and Games organisers have come in for criticism in recent months after it emerged Ugandan politicians are being allowed to attend the event this summer despite the country passing laws in December banning homosexuality in the country.

The move has led to Scottish cyclist Graham Obree starting a petition, entitled "No Hate at the Games", calling for a ban on Ugandan politicians attending Glasgow 2014.

The Scottish Government has previously announced it is providing almost £25,000 ($42,000/€30,000) of funding to support the Pride House Glasgow.

Pride House Glasgow Champion Susan Calman (left) was a batonbearer on the Queen's Baton Relay as it makes its way around Scotland ©Getty Images



Glasgow native Calman is an award-winning comedian, actress and writer and has spoken in the past about the difficulties she faced after coming out as a lesbian when she was younger.

"I'm delighted to become a Champion of Pride House," said the 39-year-old.

"It's a great initiative that will play an important role during the Commonwealth Games.

"Its ambition and ethos, coupled with the packed schedule of wonderful events, will help ensure that these really are the 'Friendly Games' for everyone."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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