NSNDP

August 3rd, 2018

Liberals need to take action on LGBTQ+ issues

SYDNEY -- NDP Leader Gary Burrill is calling on the Liberal government to support a legislated ban on conversion therapy and make needed policy changes in support of the LGBTQ+ community. Today, Burrill will attend the Pride Flag Raising at 12 PM at the CBRM Civic Centre and visit the Cape Breton Youth Project. On Saturday, he will also attend the Cape Breton Pride Parade with Tammy Martin, MLA for Cape Breton Centre.

“There is no place for conversion therapy in the inclusive Nova Scotia we’re trying to build,” said NDP leader Gary Burrill. “We are unequivocal about our LGBTQ+ agenda and the McNeil Liberals need to take the necessary steps to improve the lives of queer and trans people in Nova Scotia.”

This fall, the NDP will introduce legislation to ban conversion therapy. The NDP is also advocating for the creation of gender-neutral identification documents and increased funding for community organizations that support LGBTQ+ youth.

“This weekend in Sydney we are here to celebrate and show our colours, but it’s about more than that,” said Cape Breton Centre MLA Tammy Martin. “It’s about saying to youth here in Cape Breton and across Nova Scotia that you deserve safety, support, and policies that protect your rights.”

The former NDP government added gender expression and gender identity to the Nova Scotia Human Rights Code, and provided funding for gender-confirming surgery.

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