Anand says Canada supports LGBTQ+ rights despite Ottawa’s silence on Turkey crackdown

OTTAWA — Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand has clarified that Canada's silence on Turkey's crackdown on LGBTQ+ groups does not equate to a lack of support for marginalized individuals. Despite Germany, France and other nations condemning Ankara's raid on LGBTQ+ organizations and detention of over 300 activists, Canada's Global Affairs department has remained quiet.

When asked about the situation, the department merely stated its support for democracy and minorities without specifically naming Turkey. Canada is currently negotiating a free-trade agreement with Turkey, and Prime Minister Mark Carney has indicated that his government is cautious about criticizing human rights violations in countries like China and Saudi Arabia.

Anand emphasized that Canada unequivocally opposes discrimination and mistreatment of LGBTQ+ people, a stance that has been reiterated by MPs and senators from various political parties who have called on Turkey to cease persecution and release those detained for exercising their freedom of speech.