Police chiefs across Canada issue an apology to 2SLGBTQ communities

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Published December 10, 2020 at 4:05 pm

Police chiefs from across Canada say they are sorry for years of abusing those in 2SLGBTQ communities.

The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) issued the formal apology today to mark International Human Rights Day.

CACP says it acknowledges the universal rights and freedoms that the world is entitled to, the right to live free and safe without discrimination regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, identity or any status.

A statement issued by the organization indicates that although the Universal Declaration of Human Rights has existed for 70 years, the 2SLGBTQ community continues to face discrimination on a daily basis and now is the time to make systemic changes necessary to move beyond a declaration and into the creation of an inclusive and equitable society for all.

Chief Bryan Larkin, president of the association, says he apologizes for the harm caused by the lack of support.

He says police continued to criminalize members of sexual and gender diverse communities despite federal government decriminalization in 1968.

Larkin added that the years that followed were filled with harassment, discrimination and persecution and those police agencies targeted Canadians based solely on their sexual orientation. This resulted in gross indecency and obscenity charges, imprisonment, and raids.

Numerous sworn officers and employees faced discrimination shame and jobless merely because of their sexual orientation and some had to live double lives because being “outed” meant persecution, violence, personal and economic hardships and even suicide, the statement reads.

CACP says it takes full responsibility for their actions and wrongdoings and sincerely apologizes to the 2SLGBTQ community.

Because apologies are insufficient to create the required change needed, CACP says it has created a Two-Spirit Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Trans, Transgender, and Queer Equity and Inclusion toolkit of policing specific guidelines, best practices and recommendations that will support organizations in understanding why an apology is necessary.

This toolkit provides local police agencies with the tools required to initiate changes within their own organizations, the resources to begin the reconciliation process, and the support to engage with the Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Trans, Transgender, and Queer Communities in their own way.

Larkin concluded by saying despite any progress, 68 per cent of “queer” individuals have been harassed, physically attacked or sexually harassed simply for their orientation and that 30 per cent will not seek emergency medical care for fear of discrimination and are 14 times more at risk for suicide and substance abuse.

“It is abundantly clear that more has to be done,” he said.

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