British actor Sir Ian McKellen has urged Singapore to overturn laws which brand homosexual acts illegal - or risk alienating gay performers. The gay star believes the legislation - dating back to the days when the country was governed by Britain - discourages homosexuals from visiting the area and should be abolished. He says, "Just treat us with respect like we treat everybody else and the world will be a better place, I think. "Coming to Singapore where unfortunately you've still got those dreadful laws that we British left behind... it's about time Singapore grew up, I think, and realised that gay people are here to stay."McKellen added he was keen to seek out a gay bar in the country - but wasn't sure if such an establishment exists there.McKellen didn't reveal his sexuality to the general public until 1988 an unlike some actors his career has not suffered from his honesty, going on to play Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.McKellen has been very active in gay rights efforts co-founding Stonewall, a gay rights lobby group.

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