Premier David Eby has issued the following statement marking the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia:

“On International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, we recognize and celebrate the hard-fought progress made by 2SLGBTQIA+ people in B.C. and around the world.

“While these advances are significant, queer communities continue to face growing challenges. We have seen an increase in discriminatory policies targeting the human rights and freedoms of queer people, both in parts of Canada and internationally. In particular, transgender people have been disproportionately impacted by regressive and harmful actions that threaten their safety and right to exist.

“Hate and discrimination have no place in our province. Our government is committed to ensuring that every British Columbian has the right to live without threat of violence or discrimination.

“We worked in partnership with QMUNITY and the Law Foundation of British Columbia to establish our province’s first pro-bono legal clinic for queer, trans and Two-Spirit communities. As part of the civil forfeiture program’s anti-hate stream, we provide grants to eligible places of worship, cultural community centres and other at-risk groups, including queer-focused organizations, for security equipment, graffiti removal and repairs to damaged property, as part of efforts to respond to hate-motivated crimes.

“Our government stands with queer communities against threats and acts of hatred, and we are committed to protecting the rights of all British Columbians to be who they truly are. Together, we can make sure that B.C. is a safe and welcoming place for everyone.”

Jennifer Blatherwick, parliamentary secretary for gender equity, said:

“Far too many people in queer communities continue to face hate, violence and barriers to accessing much-needed services. On International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, we reaffirm that everyone in B.C. has the right to live and love fully and authentically.

“In British Columbia, protections for sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression are enshrined in the Human Rights Code. We will continue to uphold those protections, support communities and work toward a society that is safe, inclusive and free from discrimination for all.”