Federal government to issue formal apology to LGBT Canadians

Canadian government has announced it will a formal apology to LGBT Canadians for past injustices.

Liberal MP Randy Boissonnault, who is Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s advisor on LGBT issues, stated in a news release issued today (May 17) that the federal government will acknowledge their role in legislation, programs, and policies involved in the discrimination against and inequity of LGBT people in Canada.

Boissonnault also stated that a formal apology will be made before the end of this year.

Measures have also been introduced to repeal Section 159 of the Criminal Code, which states that the age of consent for anal sex is 18 years of age (while oral and vaginal sex is legal at age 16).

Same-sex sexual activity was decriminalized in 1969 and sexual orientation was included in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms in 1995. In 2005, Canada became the fourth country in the world to nationally legalize same-sex marriage.

Both Boissonnault and Canadian foreign affairs minister Chrystia Freeland stated that the government also condemns the reported detainment, torture, and killing of bisexual and gay men in Chechnya.

“Those who demean the LGBTI community must understand that diversity and inclusion are drivers of progress and prosperity,” Freeland stated. “Recognizing equal rights is vital for any society to reach its full potential. That is why we are proud to be seeking to co-chair the Equal Rights Coalition, a network of 33 governments committed to promoting and protecting the rights of LGBTI people around the world, through which Canada will be able to provide greater leadership and expertise in this area.”