The following statement was issued today by the Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality:

Women and gender-diverse individuals in Iran are facing continued persecution as they attempt to live as equals and express themselves as individuals in their home country.

Mahsa Amini was a young woman in Iran who died in police custody after being arrested for not adequately covering her hair. Many women are protesting in response by burning hijabs, refusing to cover their hair, and calling for increased support for freedom of expression in Iran – all of which has been met with increased systemic oppression from authorities. There have also been reports of violence and oppression of members of the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community. All of these actions are unacceptable, and painful to hear.

Our government recognizes the value of human rights, freedoms, and of supporting people to live as their most authentic self. This is particularly evident in the expanded mandate of the Office of Women and Gender Equality, which aims to advance the social, economic, cultural, and legal status of women in our province, and works towards equality among people of all genders.

As we continue to watch events unfold around the world, we must continue to protect the human rights of all people in our province, and reiterate that violence of any kind against women, girls, and gender-diverse people is not acceptable.

-30-

Media contact
Angela Picco
Office of Women and Gender Equality
709-729-4934, 687-4753
angelapicco@gov.nl.ca