Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement ahead of the International Day Against Homophobia tomorrow:

“This day is an opportunity to shed light on the significant human rights abuses to which sexual minorities are subjected worldwide.

“It is alarming that approximately 80 countries around the world criminalize homosexuality or have laws in place that have the intended effect of limiting the human rights of a targeted group. Canada has urged and will continue to urge these nations to review this regressive legislation.

“The criminalization of homosexuality is an incitement to intolerance, which breeds hate and, in turn, violence.

“Canada remains committed to standing up for the human rights of all individuals.”

src:news.gc.ca