Over 130 countries now recognize May 17 as the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT).
The theme for this year is Together: Resisting, Supporting, Healing!
The New Brunswick Human Rights Act was amended in 1992 to prohibit discrimination and harassment based on sexual orientation.
Gender identity and expression were also included in 2017 as protected grounds of discrimination.
New Brunswick Human Rights Commission chairperson Claire Roussel-Sullivan issued the following statement to mark the occasion:
“By observing this day, New Brunswick celebrates the innate dignity and uniqueness of each individual and the progress made, while recognizing the ongoing struggle to overcome the effects of discrimination on a particularly vulnerable segment of society.
It is our responsibility to respect the rights of all lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in all aspects of their lives, including health, safety, employment, and housing, in order to prevent any form of discrimination against them.
This is a human rights issue.
For over 50 years the New Brunswick Human Rights Commission has protected and promoted the values associated with human rights such as respect, appreciation for diversity, and absence of discrimination.
I urge New Brunswickers today and everyday, to confront discrimination, and to work toward a New Brunswick where everyone, regardless of sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, can fulfill their fundamental right to be treated equally, with dignity, kindness, compassion and respect.”
Homophobia, transphobia, and biphobia have no place in our country. That’s true today, on #IDAHOTB, and every day – and it’s up to each and every one of us to make sure everyone can live freely and openly, regardless of who they love or how they identify. https://t.co/dZsuXAVALH pic.twitter.com/RHn2AgkXJ3
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) May 17, 2021
