Statement by Liberal Party of Canada Leader Justin Trudeau on the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia

May 17, 2014

OTTAWA – The Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement in recognition of the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia:

“Supporting human rights is the responsibility of all governments and peoples, and the rights of LGBTTQ individuals are no different.

“As a country, we have made significant progress in enshrining the fundamental legal rights of LGBTTQ Canadians, whether it is freedom from discrimination, as is protected under the Charter, or the 2005 Civil Marriage Act. However, far too many LGBTTQ Canadians continue to face discrimination in their daily lives.

“In too many parts of the world, LGBTTQ persons endure unconscionable intolerance and persecution for who they are, and they are regularly confronted with the threat of imprisonment or death. We must never stop fighting for the human rights of all LGBTTQ persons.

“Today we celebrate our differences and assert that all persons are deserving of dignity and equality. The Liberal Party of Canada proudly reaffirms its steadfast commitment to protecting and advancing the rights of all LGBTTQ individuals, both in Canada and around the world.”