September 20, 2023

Pride is stronger than hate

September 20, 2023 – Ottawa, Ontario – Canadian Human Rights Commission

In response to the hate-fuelled marches taking place across Canada today, Charlotte-Anne Malischewski, Interim Chief Commissioner of the Canadian Human Rights Commission, issues the following statement:

Today, the Canadian Human Rights Commission stands in pride and solidarity with every 2SLGBTQQIA+ person in Canada, especially young people. At the heart of many of today's marches is misinformation and hateful rhetoric that denies the existence of trans and gender diverse people. There have been calls to erase trans and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people from school curricula.

While the Commission respects the right to peaceful assembly, hate has no place in our communities and it has no place in our schools. Hate dehumanizes people and promotes fear and division. It runs counter to Canadian values and Canadian laws.

Hate and intolerance have devastating consequences, especially when directed at children. A Trans PULSE Canada report from June 2021 found that two in five trans and non-binary youth in Canada have considered suicide; one in ten have attempted it.

No child should live in fear. Nobody deserves to be bullied or intimidated for who they are or how they express themselves.

Everyone has the same right to equality, dignity and respect. We all have a responsibility to call out hate and shut it down when we see it.

Pride is stronger than hate.

- 30-

Media Contacts

Media Relations
613-943-9118
communications@chrc-ccdp.gc.ca

Stay Connected

Date modified:: 2023-09-20