Canada’s 150th anniversary isn’t the only milestone Canadian’s are celebrating. Prime Minister Trudeau announced on Wednesday that the liberal government “will be moving forward with the process for the expungement of criminal convictions for Canadians who were unjustly convicted for a crime simply for who they were and who they loved.” While Trudeau has expressed previously his intentions of looking into the issue, new legislation is coming later this year to pardon those convicted of a crime due to their sexuality.
A crowd of people gathered on Parliament Hill where the Pride, transgender Pride, and Canada 150 Pride Flags were raised. Alongside Prime Minister Trudeau were, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Minister, Ralph Goodale, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, Jody Wilson-Raybould, and Liberal MP, Randy Boissonnault.
Before the legalization of homosexual acts in 1969, many people were convicted of charges including ‘gross indecency’ and ‘buggery’. Although the laws have long been abolished, thousands of Canadians remain affected by the consequences of these convictions. Those living with convictions face difficulty in many aspects of their life including opportunities related to employment and even travel.
Scott Brison, Liberal MP for King-Hants, tweeted during the event, “LGBTQ2 rights are human rights.”
Bill C-39 is currently at first reading stage in the House of Commons, and the Senate is in the process of examining Bill C-16. This bill would add gender identity and gender expression to the list of prohibited grounds of discrimination under both the Criminal Code and Canadian Human Rights Act.
The question with regards to whether and how the government will compensate for those who have been affected remains unanswered.
Trudeau declared that in addition to the new legislation his government remains committed to apologizing for the role that historical legislation, programs, and policies has played in the wrongs committed against LGBTQ2 Canadians.
Despite being long overdue, the pardons promise a clean slate for those LGBTQ Canadian’s convicted, and are a result of the persistence within the community and its collective efforts.
“We are committed to apologizing in an inclusive and meaningful manner before the end of 2017,” Trudeau voiced.