Lesbians for Refugees

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While Canada's history isn't perfect, many of the current laws and protections specific to the LGBT community are notably progressive and inclusive.  Canada has come a long way since 1965 when its courts sentenced a Northwest Territories mechanic to life in prison for being homosexual.  Although homosexuality was decriminalized in Canada in 1969, that mechanic wasn't released from prison until 1971.

In 1996, Canada added sexual orientation to the Canada Human Rights Act which extended legal protection to individuals regardless of their sexual orientation.  Eight provinces and territories (Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and the Northwest Territories) have modified their provincial human rights codes to add gender identity.

Canada's largest cities are exceedingly welcoming to the LGBTQ traveler: Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and Ottawa, especially in the more recognizably queer neighborhoods and during Pride.

In July 2005, Canada became the fourth country in the world, after the Netherlands, Belgium, and Spain, to nationally recognize same-sex marriages. Bill C-38, the Civil Marriage Act, extended the right of marriage to same-sex couples and granted the same benefits to same-sex couples as those granted to married heterosexual couples under Canada's business corporation and cooperatives laws, and in regard to veterans' benefits, divorce, and income taxes.

Be inspired

CN Tower, Toronto

CN Tower

Toronto - Activity

Boasting as the tallest free-standing structure in the Western Hemisphere, this world-famous tower in downtown Toronto is 1,815.4 feet tall.  Originally built as a...
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Niagara Falls, Toronto

Niagara Falls

Toronto - Activity

Located 130 kilometres from Toronto, the world-famous Niagara Falls is a great place to get a break from the city and see some natural beauty. These three immense...
  • 4.5
  • 1
Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives, Toronto

Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives

Toronto - Activity

Boasting as the largest independent LGBTQ archives in the world, The Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives is located in the Gay Village and features an extensive...
Niagara-On-The-Lake, Toronto

Niagara-On-The-Lake

Toronto - Shopping

Located 132 kilometers south of Toronto in the heart of wine country, Niagara-On-The-Lake is a charming, historic town offering an abundance of tasteful souvenir shops...
Distillery District, Toronto

Distillery District

Toronto - Activity

This pedestrian-only, 19th century historic village in downtown Toronto features an array of upscale shops, galleries, restaurants and cafes. Designated a National...
Black Creek Pioneer Village, Toronto

Black Creek Pioneer Village

Toronto - Activity

This heritage museum offers an immersive, interactive experience geared towards teaching kids about the lifestyles and customs of Toronto's early European community....
Hockey Hall of Fame, Toronto

Hockey Hall of Fame

Toronto - Activity

For sports lovers, the Hockey Hall of Fame is a great way to spend an afternoon learning about the history of ice hockey. Located in downtown Toronto, the Hockey Hall of...

29 community reviews / Canada

General impression
Excellent
LGBT-friendly
Excellent
Gordon Smith has been to and rated Canada

Added 2 years ago