Openly-gay Doctor Who and Torchwood actor John Barrowman has kissed a man as part of the widely-televised Commonwealth Games opening ceremony in Glasgow. UPDATE: The Commonwealth Games has confirmed the kiss was a scripted part of the ceremony. "We thought this accentuated the values of Scotland and the diversity of Scotland," Glasgow 2014 chief executive David Grevemberg has told the Telegraph. "Some people may say [it was] bold, but I think confident." Commonwealth Games Federation chief executive Mike Hooper added: "There should be no discrimination on any grounds whatsoever. I thought the whole thing was a fantastic show." The kiss between Barrowman and a dancer was accompanied by a shout of “here’s to equality in Scotland”, with other backing dancers pulling party poppers. Pic thanks to Dion Barrowman is an lgbti rights advocate who married long-time partner Scott Gill in California last year. The Commonwealth has been heavily criticised by human rights groups over the fact being gay is a crime in 42 of its 53 nations. Ugandan gay rights campaigner Edwin Sesange described the kiss as “inspirational” saying “now we need others to follow”. Glasgow has funded a Pride House for the Games, and also had a rainbow flag flying from a civic building. Same-sex marriage is legal in Scotland.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Thursday, 24th July 2014 - 9:16am