Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s apology for historical government persecution and prosecution of sexual minorities is a welcome sign not just for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer or questioning (LGBTQ) people but for all of society says a news release from the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario.
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“Today’s pardon by the Prime Minister for the government’s historical discrimination of LGBTQ people sends a welcome message that sexual minorities must be treated with equality and dignity,” said Sam Hammond President of the ETFO.
“We cannot have a just society if people, including sexual minorities and others, do not have full equality and a safe and welcoming place to live, work and grow. That is a message that must continue to be instilled through education, particularly among young people.
“It was ignorance and prejudice that led the government to fire, harass and prosecute thousands of gays and lesbians who served in the military, police and security services and the broader public service decades. The past cannot be changed but this apology for those whose lives were ruined and who still suffer today is overdue,” added Hammond.
The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario represents 80,000 elementary public school teachers, occasional teachers and education professionals across the province.
