November 25, 2014 - Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement:
“Canada is shocked that Gambia has signed a piece of legislation that will make some acts of homosexuality punishable by life imprisonment. We strongly urge President Yahya Jammeh to uphold Gambia’s international obligations and protect the fundamental human rights of all Gambians, regardless of their sexual orientation.
“Equally troubling, a new anti-homosexuality law is reportedly being drafted by some members of Parliament in Uganda, who have promised to have Parliament pass it as a ‘Christmas gift’.
“These acts are a serious setback for human rights, dignity and fundamental freedoms and should be widely condemned.
“Canada has repeatedly raised concerns with governments that impose such cruel restrictions. Any governments pursuing such legislation should know that our engagement on human rights issues will only become more persistent.
“Canada urges both the Government of Gambia and the Government of Uganda to abandon these serious breaches of their international commitments.”
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