QUESTION PERIOD — Women and Gender Equality
Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan
October 26, 2023
My question is for the Government Representative in the Senate.
Senator Gold, today being Intersex Awareness Day, I would like to point out that “body normalization” surgeries done on intersex persons without their consent are still legal in Canada.
I also want to point out that the Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan announced that consultations were to take place starting in the fall of 2022 about criminalizing surgeries of this kind performed on intersex persons during their childhood.
Last April, I brought this commitment to the attention of the federal government by asking you a question — that is yet to be answered — about when the consultations would start.
Senator Gold, I want to reiterate my question and ask you precisely what the government’s timeline is on this matter.
Thank you for the question. It is very important. Thank you also for your ongoing work on behalf of 2SLGBTQI+ communities.
I made inquiries with the government, colleague, but I have not yet received an answer, unfortunately.
What I can say is that the government has been very clear when it comes to human rights. The government doesn’t choose; it is there for all Canadians, regardless of who they are. The government will always stand with the 2SLGBTQI+ communities.
Thank you, senator Gold. It is a health issue and a matter of urgency, as you can understand.
Last Tuesday, October 17, 10 senators rose in this place to speak out against the growing hate targeting 2SLGBTQI+ communities, especially the trans community. Most of these senators urged the government to move forward with the development of the national anti-hate action plan announced in Budget 2023.
Senator Gold, when will this action plan finally be tabled?
Thank you, colleague.
As you know, the government has already implemented Canada’s first anti-racism strategy and is building on those efforts to develop a new strategy that includes an anti-hate action plan. This strategy is supported by close to $200 million in funding.
I don’t have a date for the launch of the national action plan, but the government has always been committed to supporting 2SLGBTQI+ communities and will always stand against hate.
