The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games are placing member nations’ LGBTQ+ human rights records firmly in the spotlight through an exhibition highlighting countries that continue to criminalise consensual same-sex relationships.
Zero Flags Commonwealth is a special presentation developed by the international Zero Flags Project for the Glasgow Games.
Installed at Candleriggs in the city’s Merchant City district, the free public exhibition forms part of Pride House Glasgow 2026 and will remain open throughout the Games period.
The installation displays the flags of Commonwealth countries where consensual same-sex intimacy remains criminalised, with each marked by a black ribbon representing mourning.
According to the Human Dignity Trust, 29 of the Commonwealth’s 56 jurisdictions retain laws criminalising private, consensual same-sex relationships. Penalties range from fines and prison sentences to the possibility of the death penalty.
Exhibition Examines Colonial Legacy
Zero Flags Commonwealth invites visitors to consider the relationship between the British Empire, colonial criminal laws and the continuing persecution of LGBTQ+ people.
Many Commonwealth anti-LGBTQ+ laws originated in legislation introduced under British colonial rule and were retained after countries gained independence.
“Visitors are invited to explore the historical relationship between the British Empire, colonial criminal laws and their continuing impact across many Commonwealth countries today, while also recognising the significant progress being achieved through advocacy, legal reform and community activism,” the organisers explained.
While some governments rarely enforce their remaining laws, advocates warn that their continued existence encourages stigma, discrimination, blackmail and violence while silencing local LGBTQ+ communities.
Other Commonwealth jurisdictions continue to actively prosecute people or impose severe punishments for consensual same-sex relationships.
Recent reforms in countries including Barbados, Singapore, Namibia, Dominica and Saint Lucia demonstrate that legal change remains possible, although more than half of Commonwealth jurisdictions continue to criminalise LGBTQ+ people.
Sport Used as a Platform for Human Rights
Organisers say the exhibition demonstrates how international sporting events can provide opportunities for dialogue about equality and human rights.
“Zero Flags Commonwealth … challenges us to confront difficult questions about history, equality and human rights, while inspiring hope through the stories of campaigners, organisations and communities working to create positive change across the Commonwealth.
“Zero Flags Commonwealth demonstrates how major international sporting events can provide a platform not only for bringing people together, but also for encouraging dialogue, understanding and social progress.”
The exhibition was developed following consultation undertaken by LEAP Sports Scotland while planning Pride House Glasgow 2026.
Participants reportedly wanted Pride House to celebrate inclusion in sport while also addressing the human rights issues affecting LGBTQ+ communities throughout the Commonwealth.
Organisers Hope Exhibition Becomes Obsolete
LEAP Sports Scotland executive director Hugh Torrance said the ultimate ambition was for the installation to become unnecessary.
“This is an exhibition that should ultimately cease to exist,” he said.
“Wouldn’t it be wonderful if, at a future Commonwealth Games, there were no flags left to display?”
Torrance said the project highlighted an uncomfortable reality while encouraging audiences to consider the causes of criminalisation and the changes needed to end it.
Pride House Returns to Glasgow
Glasgow hosted the first Pride House connected with a Commonwealth Games in 2014.
For the 2026 Games, Pride House has expanded into a collection of venues and installations across Glasgow’s city centre.
The programme includes a central lounge where LGBTQ+ people and allies can meet and watch sporting events, alongside workshops, discussions, literary programming and public exhibitions.
Commonwealth Sport describes Pride House as an official LGBTQ+ community space connected with major sporting events, providing a welcoming environment where athletes, supporters and allies can gather.
“As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, I know what it means to feel welcomed to this city; to be accepted and to be able to be your true self,” Glasgow 2026 chief executive Phil Batty said.
“For far too many people across the world, those freedoms cannot be taken for granted.
“That is why we are so proud that Glasgow 2026 has helped create a space and a platform for this conversation, and why I am grateful to all those who has made this powerful installation possible.”
Zero Flags Commonwealth is free to visit at Candleriggs during the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
