Seniors, Wellness and Social Development
Executive Council
July 20, 2015

Celebrating Diversity Within Our Province

Provincial Government Recognizes Pride Week 2015

The Provincial Government is once again joining community groups in celebrating Pride Week 2015 (July 20-26) in Newfoundland and Labrador. The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development, and the Honourable Steve Kent, Deputy Premier and Minister Responsible for the Office of Public Engagement, joined members of St. John’s Pride and other community representatives at a flag-raising ceremony at the Confederation Building this morning to officially launch the week’s activities.

“A part of the social development of any society is the recognition that all individuals, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons, have a right to be accepted for who they are and to live free from any form of violence or discrimination. I am proud to participate in this week’s flag-raising and to demonstrate our government’s support for diversity and equal rights for all people.”
- The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development

Other events planned during Pride Week 2015 in St. John’s include a bonfire, an “Out in Faith” discussion circle, a children and youth bowling event, and a youth education day. In addition, the annual Pride Parade is scheduled to begin at St. John’s City Hall at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, July 26. For a listing of Pride Week events in St. John’s, visit www.stjohnspride.ca or follow St. John’s Pride on twitter @StJohnsPrideNL . Pride Week activities in other areas of the province are run by similar groups, community organizations, student unions, not-for-profit groups, volunteer groups and local businesses.

"As a government, we are committed to embracing and celebrating the diversity of all people in the province, regardless of age, gender, or sexual orientation. I am pleased to recognize Pride Week 2015 in Newfoundland and Labrador and to mark another year of celebrating diversity.”
- The Honourable Steve Kent, Deputy Premier and Minister Responsible for the Office of Public Engagement

Through the Violence Prevention Initiative, the Provincial Government works in collaboration with community partners, departments and agencies to ensure all residents of the province may live, work and learn in environments where expressions of violence and discrimination are not tolerated. Information about the Violence Prevention Initiative can be found at www.gov.nl.ca/vpi.

“The St. John's Pride community welcomes the support of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. We look forward to working more closely with the Provincial Government to provide the necessary resources for the LGBTQ community and to continue along a path of diversity, equality, and acceptance. We thank all of our allies for their commitment to healthy, safe, and diverse communities.”
- Jamie Harnum, Vice-President of Operations, St. John’s Pride

Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation has been prohibited in Newfoundland and Labrador since 1997, when sexual orientation was added to the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Code. In December 2004, the Provincial Government announced it would issue same-sex marriage licences after the release of a landmark Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador decision.

QUICK FACTS

• The Provincial Government is once again joining community groups in celebrating Pride Week 2015 (July 20-26) in Newfoundland and Labrador.
• The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development, and the Honourable Steve Kent, Deputy Premier and Minister Responsible for the Office of Public Engagement, joined members of St. John’s Pride and other community representatives at a flag-raising ceremony at the Confederation Building this morning to officially launch the week’s activities.
• For a listing of Pride Week events in St. John’s, visit www.stjohnspride.ca or follow St. John’s Pride on twitter @StJohnsPrideNL .
• Information about the Violence Prevention Initiative can be found at www.gov.nl.ca/vpi.

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