Statement on Pride by Bill Siksay, NDP Critic, Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Transsexual Issues

Happy Pride!

As Pride celebrations take place across Canada, I and my New Democrat colleagues are proud to stand in solidarity with members of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and transsexual communities.  

Canada has led the world in ensuring the full equality of gay and lesbian citizens and our full participation in society.  New Democrats are proud to have been front and centre in this achievement and we will remain vigilant to prevent any backsliding on these victories. 

However, challenges remain.

Transsexual and transgender Canadians need explicit human rights protections. That is why I have tabled a Private Member’s Bill (C-389), An Act to Amend the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Criminal Code (gender identity and gender expression), to add gender identity and expression to the list of prohibited grounds of discrimination in the Canadian Human Rights Act and to the hate and sentencing provisions of the Criminal Code.  This bill passed second reading in the House of Commons this spring. That was an historic moment because it was the first time trans issues had been debated in the Canadian Parliament.  The bill now proceeds to the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights for the next step in the legislative process.

LGBTT people around the world suffer prejudice and discrimination, even to the point of violence and death. We stand in solidarity with brothers and sisters in other countries whose attempts to celebrate Pride and win human rights protections are often frustrated or subject to violence. 

Our work is not yet done.  New Democrats will continue pressing issues of concern to LGBTT Canadians.  Pride festivals give us the opportunity to celebrate our accomplishments and look to the future. 

In solidarity
Bill Siksay MP (Burnaby-Douglas)
NDP Critic for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Transsexual Issues