The following is being distributed at the request of the Human Rights Commission:

Human Rights Commission Celebrates Pride Week with
Newfoundland and Labrador LGBTQ Community

The Human Rights Commission is joining the celebration for Pride Week being held this week, July 16 to 22. Pride Week is an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community in Newfoundland and Labrador and to recognize the province as an inclusive community.

“Pride Week is a time to reflect on the many challenges the LGBTQ community has faced in the past, and to celebrate the achievements of the community and our province in transforming those many challenges into opportunities to pursue equality throughout Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Remzi Cej, Chair of the Human Rights Commission.

The Human Rights Act, 2010 recognizes that every individual is free and equal in dignity and rights. The act protects LGBTQ individuals against human rights discrimination on the basis of prohibited grounds such as sex and sexual orientation. The Human Rights Commission congratulates the LGBTQ community on the tireless pursuit of the protection and promotion of these rights.

“By recounting the struggles and celebrating the achievements and successes of LGBTQ community members and allies, and focusing on the path ahead for the promotion and protection of LGBTQ rights, Pride Week reminds all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians of the need to stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ community in our province,” said Mr. Cej.

For more information on the Human Rights Commission, please visit www.thinkhumanrights.ca . 

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Media contact:
Karen Hurley Power
Executive Director, Acting
Human Rights Commission
709-729-2709
1-800-563-5808
karenhurley-power@gov.nl.ca 

2012 07 16             10:05 a.m.