Statement by Official Opposition Leader, Thomas Mulcair, on International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia

On this same date, 23 years ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) removed homosexuality from the International Classification of Diseases.

Since then, Canada has made great progress in ending discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people (LGBT). We have obtained protective measures for human rights, legal recognition of same-sex couples and equal marriage rights.

However, the battle is far from won. Many members of the LGBT community continue to face daily discrimination at work and in the community, to live in isolation and, in extreme cases, unfortunately, to pay for their sexual orientation with their lives.

Today, my team joins me in inviting all Canadians to denounce prejudice towards LGBT, reach out to them and recognize their positive contribution to promoting an inclusive society.