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By Dane Lewis, Secretary, The Commonwealth Equality Network Management Committee
The 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC), held in Bridgetown, Barbados from 5–12 October 2025, convened parliamentarians, policymakers, and civil society from across the Commonwealth to discuss democracy, governance, and human rights. Hosted by the Parliament of Barbados and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), Barbados Branch, the conference featured workshops, plenary sessions, and side events focusing on issues such as the legacy of colonial laws, gender equality, accessibility, and inclusion.
I attended the CPC as an observer representing The Commonwealth Equality Network and participated in the Global Equality Caucus (GEC) side event, which brought together parliamentarians from across the Commonwealth to reflect on advances and barriers toward full equality. This initiative aims to strengthen collaboration between parliamentarians and allies advocating for the protection and advancement of LGBTI+ rights across Commonwealth jurisdictions.
Engagement between civil society and parliamentarians is crucial amid rising anti-rights movements and efforts to roll back equality. By working together, they can protect and build on progress made across the Commonwealth, drawing on shared legal traditions and experiences. Stronger partnerships between advocates and lawmakers will foster a more inclusive, informed, and resilient response to the challenges facing human rights and democracy today.
Throughout the week, discussions highlighted the evolving attitudes toward equality and human rights within the Commonwealth. In the session addressing “Human Rights and the Legacy of Colonial Laws,” speakers explored how inherited legal frameworks continue to shape access to justice and equality. The debate also underscored the momentum for reform, as several Caribbean nations—including Barbados, Dominica, and St. Lucia—have recently decriminalised same-sex relations, while Antigua and Barbuda, the host of the next CHOGM, plays a prominent role in advancing regional dialogue on these issues.
As a delegate of the Network, I observed that the tone of discussions was notably constructive. There appeared to be a growing number of parliamentarians willing to acknowledge and address issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity in their legislative contexts. Discussions about the need for decriminalisation included contributions from the Speaker of the House of Barbados and the Deputy Speaker from Malta, while CPA Secretary-General Stephen Twigg repeatedly affirmed the importance of inclusion and equality in Commonwealth governance.
The CPC’s shift toward a workshop-based structure encouraged deeper engagement among participants. The smaller, interactive sessions enabled more candid dialogue and collaboration. This approach was particularly effective for discussing complex human rights issues, where participants could share national perspectives and explore practical strategies for reform in a safe open environment. This methodology offered valuable lessons for our own organising, highlighting the importance of creating inclusive, participatory spaces that foster trust, exchange, and collective problem-solving.
One of the key workshops, “A Look Ahead to CHOGM 2026: Championing the Human Factor from a Gender and Accessibility Lens,” focused on preparations for the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Antigua and Barbuda. The session emphasised the importance of embedding gender equality, accessibility, and human rights into CHOGM outcome documents. I participated in a group discussion that raised the need for stronger civil society representation alongside government —a recommendation that aligns with the Network’s ongoing advocacy for inclusive Commonwealth policymaking.
Beyond the formal sessions, the CPC provided valuable opportunities for informal dialogue and alliance building. The Global Equality Caucus side event, facilitated by New Zealand parliamentarian Lawrence Xu-Nan, evolved into a dynamic roundtable that fostered honest exchanges among attendees. Participants shared updates on national developments and reflected on how collaboration between legislators and civil society could strengthen reform efforts.
During these engagements, several parliamentarians expressed concern about the risk of regression in human rights protections. In one discussion we spoke about the importance of maintaining progress where gains have been achieved—particularly given the recent re-criminalisation of same-sex activity in some jurisdictions like Trinidad & Tobago. The discussions also underscored the value of international solidarity and visibility, highlighting that participation in such spaces remains essential for those unable to attend safely.
The 2025 Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference served as a reminder of the CPA’s vital role in fostering dialogue and advancing shared values of democracy, inclusion, and equality. For the Network, the event offered both an opportunity to raise visibility for LGBTI+ issues and to identify allies within Commonwealth parliaments who are committed to reform.
As preparations continue for CHOGM 2026, there is a clear need to maintain momentum around inclusion and to ensure that LGBTI+ voices and civil society perspectives are meaningfully represented in Commonwealth processes. The progress seen at the CPC, through constructive dialogue, stronger partnerships, and visible allyship, signals cautious optimism for a more inclusive Commonwealth.