During the event, the Prime Minister referenced plans to pardon Canadians who have ever been charged with crimes based on sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

 

“I believe that it’s essential to make amends for past wrongs, not to simply gloss over them,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said during the ceremony. “Today’s announcement and the forthcoming apology are important steps in the right direction.”

 

Officially, Canada decriminalized homosexuality back in 1969. However, real protections for the gay, lesbian and trans community were a long way off. In 1981, hundreds of men were arrested in a series of raids on Toronto-area bathhouses. And it wasn't until 1992 that gays and lesbians were allowed to serve openly in the military. In 2005, same-sex marriages were legalized. 

 

The Canadian government will formally apologize to the queer community by the end of 2017.

 

“In Canada, we’ve come a long way, but there is still more work to be done," Trudeau explained. "There is still work to do, fights to be had, here in Canada, and more and more, around the world."

 

The Liberal government has already proposed a bill to add gender identity and gender expression to the list of prohibited forms of discrimination; it is currently being reviewed by the country's Senate.

 

Isn't it nice to know that there are still progressive countries in the world?