As we mark International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, we remind ourselves how important it is to recognize that the fight for equality is far from over.
As the first President in our Association’s history with a same-sex partner, I am extraordinarily grateful for the work that has been accomplished by those who came before me and fought to decriminalize homosexual acts, to address discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and to protect transgender individuals from hate crimes and discrimination.
I am concerned with the dramatic rise in hate crimes targeting the 2SLGBTQI+ community. According to data released in 2023 by Statistics Canada, police reported hate crimes motivated by sexual orientation rose 64% from 2020 to 2021. We have called on the federal government to re-introduce the legislative reforms in the previous Bill C-36, Criminal Code and Canadian Human Rights Act amendments to address hate propaganda, hate crimes and hate speech.
Leaders of Canada’s legal community have a duty to defend and protect the rights of 2SLGBTQI+ people. It’s the right thing to do, and we all benefit from the incredible opportunities that come from a fully engaged and inclusive society.