Senator Gold: Thank you for the question. I’m not in a position to answer that specifically, but I will certainly bring that to the attention of the minister. However, I will underline nonetheless that not only our Constitution but also our Human Rights Act and general jurisprudence that have evolved under the equality of rights provisions both in federal and provincial legislations are increasingly understood to prohibit such forms of discrimination. Thank you for the question. I will bring it to the attention of the minister.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for the question. I stand with the Prime Minister in his recent remarks regarding this issue when he stated, “This law is appalling and abhorrent, and we strongly condemn it.” He went on to say that Canada will continue to stand with the 2SLGBTQI+ people, and stand up for their rights at home and abroad.

It’s my understanding, senator, that the Minister of Foreign Affairs is working with partners in the region to support communities impacted by this law, and will continue to do so. As we know, not only Canada, but also the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union have condemned this gross violation of human rights. The community in Uganda is not alone, and Canada is part of that effort to assist them. Canada stands with that community here and around the world in this fight against the rising crackdown on their fundamental rights.