Federal Lawmakers are Noting a “Rising Tide” of Hate and Violence Directed at the LGBTQ+ Community
Photo Credit: Jennifer Gauthier/Reuters via CBC
Amid growing concerns about increasing incidents of hate and violence against the LGBTQ+ community, pressures are mounting on Canadian lawmakers to act.
Numerous reports of anti-LGBTQ+ protests have recently surfaced across Canada, as well as hate crimes and violence. According to Statistics Canada, hate crimes related to sexual orientation have grown over 50 per cent since the peak in 2019, with a notable surge in recent months. While most of the demonstrations against the LGBTQ+ community were peaceful protests and boycotts, some have led to altercations requiring police intervention.
Protests have been organized against drag brunches and storytime events across Canada, including a significant protest at a storytelling event in the Kitsilano neighborhood of Vancouver in November, as reported by CTV News. Another form of protest was mass walkouts against celebrations of Pride Month in Ontario schools. Events like these have been occurring across Canada, with many LGBTQ+ advocates concerned about the impact of the growing sentiments.
On June 9, New Brunswick’s provincial Education Minister Bill Hogan announced the rollout of a new law that has worried LGBTQ+ supporters across the province. The new law requires children under 16 to provide parental consent to alter their names and pronouns in schools.
Photo Credit: Mia Urquhart/CBC
"Trans kids need to feel safe, not targeted by politicians," Trudeau said at a Pride event in Toronto on June 8, explaining the importance of showing support.
The effects of these anti-LGBTQ+ demonstrations have been far-reaching, leaving many communities questioning their security in Canada's future. "We also know that homophobia, transphobia, and biphobia have devastating impacts, creating higher risks of mental health issues, unemployment, homelessness and harassment," said Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth.
Facing increased absences during their pride celebrations, the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board responded with a statement saying, "Schools are places of learning and should not be the targets of political protests.” While many members of Canadian school boards have shown support and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community amid backlash, protests targeting schools have increased.
However, Canada is not alone in encountering anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments. Countries like the United States have already implemented numerous laws and policies to restrict the rights and well-being of their LGBTQ+ communities, such as restricting access to gender-affirming care for youth. The US also has had protests similar to Canada, one example being a clash between protesters outside a primary school in Los Angeles, which was running a Pride Month event, according to the BBC. With firm political stances being taken around the world, Canada is now entering a similar situation.
Photo Credit: Radio-Canada
The Canadian government has acknowledged the urgency of the situation and is actively working towards finding solutions. Members of parliament from various parties have voiced their concerns and emphasized the necessity of taking action to protect the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals.
The recent surge in anti-LGBTQ+ incidents also presents an opportunity for Canada to pave the way for LGBTQ+ laws. Momentum Canada, an LGBTQ+ support organization, has put forth proposals for the government. Among the suggested actions, the organization recommends a "Special Representative on addressing and preventing anti-LGBTQ+ hate."
"In too many places, it's kids who have to fight to have the Pride flag raised, and in some places, it's been denied," Trudeau said at a speech at a Pride flag-raising ceremony on Parliament Hill on June 8.
"And to those kids, I'm here to say, even though the Pride flag may not fly at your school, know that it proudly flies here in your seat of govern