Justin Trudeau marches with his wife and kids in Toronto Pride Parade
Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has joined LGBT activists and allies in Toronto Pride.
The Liberal PM joined marchers in the streets of the Canadian city to celebrate LGBT equality with his wife and two children.
It’s not the first time the pro-equality leader has joined pride celebrations.
Last year he became the first serving Prime Minister of Canada to join the LGBT march.
Now he has returned for a second year – and it’s fair to say the crowds were just as adoring.
Trudeau posted: “Love is love. #PrideTO”
Love is love. #PrideTO pic.twitter.com/z2No7rdchZ
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) June 25, 2017
The PM also joined a pride and faith service before the march.
He posted: “At @mcctoronto’s Faith + Pride service this morning – thanks to Reverend Hawkes for an inspiring service & all the best in your retirement.”
At @mcctoronto‘s Faith + Pride service this morning – thanks to Reverend Hawkes for an inspiring service & all the best in your retirement. pic.twitter.com/c1tUvSGVRX
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) June 25, 2017
Before Sunday’s parade he raised the rainbow flag and transgender flag above Parliament Hill, as he vowed to tackle the injustices faced by LGBT people.
RELATED: Chelsea Manning celebrates first pride as a free woman.
At the event he announced that the government will introduce legislation to make it possible to erase the convictions for Canadians who were found guilty under historical, unjust laws for sexual activity with a same sex partner.
The government says the legislation – expected to be introduced later this year – will be another concrete step towards acknowledging and addressing injustices faced by LGBTQ2 communities.
Prime Minister Trudeau said: “Our government believes in equality and equal treatment for all Canadians.
“That is why we are moving forward on legislation that makes it possible to erase the convictions of Canadians who were unjustly convicted of a crime – simply for who they were, or who they loved.
“We will be introducing legislation on this later this year, and further we will acknowledge and apologise for the historical discrimination faced by LGBTQ2 Canadians. We are committed to apologising in an inclusive and meaningful manner before the end of 2017.
“I believe that it’s essential to make amends for past wrongs, and not to simply gloss over them. Our government believes in equality and equal treatment for all Canadians. We will passionately defend the rights of all our citizens regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
“Homophobia, biphobia and transphobia are unacceptable. In Canada we’ve come a long way, but there is still work to be done, both here in Canada and around the world.”
Mr Boissonnault added: “Today our government announced another vital step in addressing the painful history of discrimination against the LGBTQ2 communities.
“As Pride season commences, Canadians will honour the many victories over the forces of exclusion, intolerance, and hate.
“We will also soberly acknowledge that there are many challenges still to overcome. I invite all Canadians to join in remembering the past, celebrating our progress, and working towards a better future.”
His Pride Month celebration stands in stark contrast to south of the border, where US President Donald Trump axed the annual Pride Month proclamation issued by Barack Obama.
The Republican White House has also put a stop to any festivities, deciding not to hold a Pride reception for LGBT activists.
Despite the White House’s actions, some government departments still released statements marking Pride Month.
