(OTTAWA) – Today Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada (Saanich–Gulf Islands), unveils her LGBTQ + Strategy at Salt Spring Pride.
“I am proud that the Green Party was the first federal party to demand that same sex couples have equal rights,” said May. “We will strengthen existing legislation, and create new protections where necessary, to ensure that the rights of all citizens are truly protected.”
“There are, unfortunately, still challenges with discrimination and bullying in schools,” continued May. “The Green Party envisions a world free from discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, a world in which difference is accepted and even celebrated.”
The Green Party LGBTQ+ Strategy will:
- Amend the Canadian Human Rights Act to explicitly include gender identity and gender expression as protected grounds of discrimination;
- Amend the Criminal Code to include gender identity and gender expression in the hate sentencing and hate propaganda provisions;
- Introduce legislation for transgender rights and improve health services for trans patients;
- Create stronger criminal laws to deter bullying and cyber bullying;
- Invest in HIV/AIDS education and prevention services and ensure that current victims are receiving comprehensive and effective treatments;
- Repeal s.159 of the Criminal Code;
- Support public education to end prejudice and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity;
- End the targeting by Canada Customs of LGBTQ+ bookstores and other LGBTQ+ businesses;
- Ensure Canada advocates internationally for an end to state-sanctioned discrimination and violence against LGBTQ+ people.
“The Green Party is a strong supporter of LGBTQ+ communities, organizations, and individuals. Green MPs and candidates have been active participants in Pride celebrations across the country, and have publicly supported various initiatives, including the CCGSD’s “Gay Sweater” campaign, Egale’s efforts to raise awareness about homeless LGBTQ+ youth, and the International Day of Pink,” said Cyrille Giraud, Green Party candidate (Laurier—Sainte-Marie). “We will continue to build relationships with these organizations and communities to advance the rights of LGBTQ+ people in Canada.”
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For additional information or to arrange an interview, contact:
Julian Morelli
Director of Communications
Green Party of Canada
cell: (613) 614 4916
office: (613) 562 4916 (224)
Or
Kirsten Strom
Executive Assistant to Director of Communications
t: 613.562.4916 (200)
Toll Free 1.866.868.3447