NDP Statement on International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia

Jagmeet Singh, Leader of Canada’s NDP, issued the following statement:

Today is the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, a day to celebrate the progress that’s been made around the world to end discrimination against LGBTQ2 people.

As we applaud the tireless courage of so many people who work to build a more tolerant and inclusive society, we need to remember that, even in Canada, there is still much work to do.

Hate crimes based on sexual orientation are twice as likely to be violent, and too many LGBTQ2 Canadians still face discrimination at work and in their community, some even paying for this intolerance with their lives. This discrimination is a stark reminder of the need to value all people, no matter their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

We are proud that New Democrats have played an important role in advancing the rights of LGBTQ2 people. These leaders include Svend Robinson, the first MP to come out as gay, Bill Siksay, who introduced the first bill to prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender identity, and most recently, Randall Garrison and his bill to include gender identity to the Canadian Human Rights Act and the hate crimes section of Canada’s Criminal Code.

Today, New Democrats re-commit to fight for a world where we are all free to be who we are and love who we love.

Let’s follow in the footsteps of the countless activists who risked so much to end homophobia, transphobia and biphobia, and do all that we can to bring people together in peace.