For
Immediate Release
Friday, February 7, 2014
Canada Must Continue to
Oppose Russia's Anti-LGBTQ Laws
Toronto: The United Church of Canada sent
a letter today congratulating Minister of Foreign Affairs John Baird on the
stance he has taken in support of the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans,
and queer (LGBTQ) people in Russia.
"Your leadership in advocating for
the protection of the human rights of all people, especially those who are most
marginalized, such as gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, and queer people in Russia,
underscores Canada's commitment to protecting and promoting human rights
globally," says the letter.
The letter notes that the United Church,
Canada's largest Protestant denomination, has long supported acceptance and
inclusion of all human beings as persons made in the image of God regardless of
their sexual orientation or gender identity.
"As Christians, we reject
the assertion that homosexuality is an offence against God and threatens the
'spiritual values' of a culture," says the letter.
The letter continues,
"Cultures that last and are life-giving build in correctives to myths and
rumours not based in fact. Much of the work in the struggle against the HIV/AIDS
pandemic has focused on dispelling myths and ending marginalization on the basis
of sexual orientation."
The complete text of the letter to John Baird is
available on The United Church of Canada's website ( www.united-church.ca
).
For more information
Mary-Frances Denis
The United Church of
Canada
416-231-7680 ext. 2016 (office)
1-800-268-3781 ext.
2016 (toll free)
mdenis@united-church.ca
