Queen Elizabeth II made history by signing a new charter that takes a stand against discrimination of all kinds. The new charter will oppose discrimination based on gender, race, color, creed, political belief, or any other grounds. Many media outlets are reading the Queen’s stance as a support for gay rights. The charter is scene as a huge step forward for the otherwise traditional valued royals, it’s a sign that times could be changing. I’m so happy for the people of the British Commonwealth, this is such a wonderful stride forward towards equality. While only 13 of the 54 countries support gay marriage, this charter at least insures discrimination won’t be tolerated. ABCNews Queen Elizabeth II is set to make history later today when she signs a new charter taking a stand against discrimination, which some have interpreted as tacit support of gay rights. The 86-year-old matriarch will sign the agreement in public to show her support. With the stroke of the pen, the queen will be making a symbolic pledge for equal rights for billions of people in 54 countries in the British Commonwealth around the world. The Commonwealth Charter states opposition to “all forms of discrimination, whether rooted in gender, race, color, creed, political belief or other grounds.” “This is believed to be the first time she’s shown her support of gay rights. That’s a big step,” ABC News royal contributor Victoria Arbiter said. The charter is still only a symbolic step for many of the 54 countries because homosexuality is still illegal in 41 of the nations in the British Commonwealth. Embodying centuries of stuffy royal tradition, Britain’s head of state has recently learned to relax a little, showing she’s moving with the times. But never in her 61 years as monarch has she done anything like this before. “The queen has to remain politically neutral,” Arbiter said. “While we won’t hear her personal views on this, the fact that she is endorsing it publicly in front of television cameras, it really does speak volumes.” Reading between the lines, the British papers are also hailing this as a watershed moment for the new rules of succession. The timing couldn’t be any better with the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, giving birth this summer. By signing this pledge, the queen is giving a silent nod to the changes. If Middleton has a baby girl, her daughter will one day be the queen.

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