Actor John Barrowman has spoken out against the "Kafkaesque" struggle many homosexual people face around the world while supporting gay rights campaign Kaleidoscope.
In a blog for The Huffington Post, he writes: "When they gave me the figures for just how many countries still make it a crime to be a gay I could scarcely believe it. No fewer than 78 states around the world criminalise homosexuality. In five of them the maximum penalty is death."
The Torchwood actor, blogging ahead of London's 'World Pride' celebrations, says: "LGBT rights are human rights and human rights are LGBT rights."
John Barrowman is supporting gay rights campaign Kaleidoscope
He urges readers to watch the Kaleidoscope campaign's video and sign their petition, writing: "I hope you'll take a look at the video and share it with your friends. And add your name to a campaign that has a simple message for all of us, gay, straight or whatever. It should never be illegal for you to be you."
The comments come ahead of a global pride celebration in London and as Labour's Yvette Cooper holds a summit with religious leaders who support gay marriage.
Barrowman writes: "When we demand our rights to complete equality under the law, including the right to marry, we need to remember that for literally millions of gay men and women the right not be beaten up, arrested or even killed would be a massive step forward."