Statement by Minister of Foreign Affairs on International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia

May 17, 2018 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement:

“In this day and age, societies are growing increasingly conscious of the value and the importance of treating all human beings with dignity and respect. Nobody should have to face discrimination or violence because of their sexual orientation, gender identity or physical characteristics.

“Here in Canada, we know that we are strong, not in spite of our differences, but because of them. That is why we use every opportunity to defend the well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and two-spirited (LGBTQ2) communities and condemn any government or individual that engages in hateful behaviour against sexual minorities.

“As co-chair with Chile of the Equal Rights Coalition (ERC) and host of the 2018 ERC Global Conference on LGBTI Human Rights and Inclusive Development, Canada looks forward to welcoming more than 300 delegates to Vancouver in August to find ways to advance the equality of LGBTQ2 people around the world.

“Too many countries continue to persecute people because of who they are attracted to or how they express their gender identity. Today, on International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, we denounce these outdated and biased attitudes and renew our commitment to advocate for LGBTQ2 rights everywhere.

“Today, and every day, we celebrate diversity as a source of strength.”

Contacts

Adam Austen
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
Adam.Austen@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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