Hon. René Cormier: Esteemed colleagues, the rise in anti-2SLGBTQI+ hatred in North America and around the world is real and is happening here in Canada. Although we have made significant advances in legal equality in our country, we are still a long way from achieving social equality.

[English]

This hatred, fomented by an excessive and unreasonable fear of something that presents no danger, is called a phobia. On this International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, it is important to remember that these phobias are irrational; that 2SLGBTQI+ people have always existed and do not represent any danger; and that being a 2SLGBTQI+ person is not a disease nor an ideology — it is a human identity.

[Translation]

The stigmatization of 2SLGBTQI+ individuals is caused in part by these irrational fears, but it is also fuelled by discriminatory policies and practices that are unfortunately still prevalent in Canada. Take, for example, the challenges gay men face when it comes to organ and sperm donation, the criminalization of HIV non-disclosure, the purely cosmetic surgeries on intersex people’s genitalia, the glaring lack of access to health care for trans people and the HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP. These are intolerable forms of discrimination that we all need to work on.

However, we can celebrate the significant progress that has been made in our country in recent years and proudly say that Canada’s Parliament has a record number of parliamentarians who are members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community, as well as many parliamentarians who are allies of the community. I thank them for their support.

It is in that context that the Canadian Pride Caucus was formed a few months ago. It consists of senators and MPs who are part of the 2SLGBTQI+ community. The main objective of this caucus is to work in a non-partisan manner to advance the rights of 2SLGBTQI+ individuals in Canada and elsewhere, while maintaining an active dialogue with civil society organizations.

[English]

Colleagues, if Canada is at the forefront in terms of human rights within its borders, it must show generosity and solidarity with communities abroad such as those in Uganda and Nigeria who are facing extreme discrimination and are working hard to advance LGBTQI+ rights, risking their own lives.

[Translation]

Our struggle will continue until full equality is achieved in terms of equal rights for all human beings.

I proudly salute all civil society organizations and individuals who are working hard to improve the rights of these communities. Working to support 2SLGBTQI+ rights is working to support all human rights.

Colleagues, let’s take a step forward. Let’s celebrate our progress, of course, but more importantly, let’s commit to ending LGBTQphobia for good.

Thank you.

[English]