Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand says Canada’s lack of public comment on Turkey’s crackdown on LGBTQ+ groups is not a signal of diminished support for oppressed people.
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Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand says Canada’s public silence on Turkey’s crackdown on LGBTQ+ organizations should not be read as a lack of solidarity with people facing persecution.
Anand made the remarks in the context of Turkey’s raids on multiple LGBTQ+ groups and the detention of hundreds of activists, an action that prompted Germany, France and other countries to issue condemnations last week.
She said Global Affairs Canada’s position is one of support for democracy and minorities, adding that the department has responded to a media request without specifically naming Turkey and has not issued a public comment.
Anand argued that Canada does not “stand for discrimination or mistreatment of LGBTQ+ people,” and said Prime Minister Mark Carney “has also been clear on this point.”
The comments come as Canada pursues negotiations on a free-trade agreement with Turkey. The government has also been described as limiting public criticism on human rights issues in certain countries, with Carney noting a focus that includes places such as China and Saudi Arabia.
Anand’s remarks also followed calls from MPs and senators across party lines urging Turkey to end persecution and release people detained for using their freedom of speech.
MPs and senators advocating for LGBTQ+ rights have said the situation requires action, while the Canadian government’s approach, at least publicly, has emphasized broad support for democracy and minority rights rather than naming Turkey directly.
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