Mr. Speaker, Pride Month is a time to recognize and celebrate the diversity and inclusion of 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.

That’s why it was deeply disturbing to hear recent reports of Pride flags being stolen from schools, with at least one reportedly trampled and burned.

There is no place for such intolerance in our province.

Several years ago, we saw the presence of rainbow crosswalks causing disturbances in some areas of the province. It is important that we move past that as a province, to ensure members of the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community feel welcomed wherever they are.

Today, displaying the rainbow is seen as a symbol of support, safety, strength, inclusion and pride.  We see rainbow crosswalks and flags throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, including here at Confederation Building.

We must all promote safety and inclusion in our communities, including our schools, so people are free to be authentic versions of themselves.

We are richer as a province because of the diversity of the people who live here. There is room for all of us.

Mr. Speaker, I ask all Honourable Members to join me today in calling out hate and intolerance when we see it, and celebrating 2SLGBTQQIA+ people and all that they add to our communities, our province and our country.

Thank you.