HALIFAX — The Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission says it is “deeply concerned” about the increasing levels of hatred towards the LGBTQ+ community seen in the province and across the country.
In a press release released Monday, the commission urges all Nova Scotians to come forward to defend the rights of LGBTQ+ people when the situation calls for it.
She points out that a recent Ipsos poll suggested on June 1, at the start of Pride Month around the world, that among 23 countries surveyed, Canada recorded some of the largest declines in support for queer and transgender people.
For example, Canada recorded the largest drop in popular support for LGBTQ+ couples kissing or holding hands in public, with 40% in favor and 19% against — a drop of eight points compared to 2021.
Canada also reportedly saw the second largest decline, after Mexico, in support for LGBTQ+ people publicly coming out about their sexual orientation and identity, with 49% in favor and 15% against — a drop of 12 points since three years.
The Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission is also recalling reports of an advisory issued earlier this year by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service that warned of an increased risk of extremist violence targeting queer people and transgender.
“Certain public discourse would have us believe that because of their existence, queer and trans people threaten the rights and security of others,” the commission said in a press release.
“Such rhetoric is unfounded and only serves to divide us. All residents of this province have the right to peacefully coexist, free from fear and harassment, and this is enshrined in law.”
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