The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for the Office of Women and Gender Equality:

Speaker, on behalf of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, I would like to recognize yesterday, May 17, as the International Day Against Transphobia, Homophobia and Biphobia.

This day was created in 2004 to draw attention to the violence and discrimination experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people, and all those with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, and sex characteristics.

Speaker, the Provincial Government will not stand for discrimination, persecution, or violence towards any person based on their gender identity, expression or sexual orientation.

We are committed to working collaboratively with the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community to ensure Newfoundland and Labrador is a safe, accessible and inclusive place for all people throughout our province.

Speaker, as an indicator of our ongoing commitment to gender equality in our province, Members of the House of Assembly today are wearing pins of the Progress Pride flag. The Progress Pride flag features the iconic rainbow pride flag, with the addition of black and brown stripes to represent marginalized 2SLGBTQQIA+ communities of colour, along with the colours pink, light blue and white, which are used on the Transgender Pride Flag.

Speaker, I ask all Honourable members to join me in recognizing May 17 as the International Day Against Transphobia, Homophobia and Biphobia.

Thank you.