An illustrative image showing two veiled lesbian women was displayed in a school on the International Day for the Support of LGBTQ Rights, provoking the feelings and reservations of Muslim students and parents who expressed their fear of the negative connotation of this from their point of view, which they saw as a direct violation of their religious beliefs, customs, and traditions, and an attack on their values."

The Minister of Diversity, Inclusion, and Youth, Bardish Chagger, issued a statement on the occasion of the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia, which read:

On the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOTB), we recognize the courage and resilience of LGBTQ2 activists past and present who have fought for equity and against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

She explained that this year's theme for IDAHOTB in Canada is "For some, showing their orientation is not a choice." For us, it is a call to defend the rights of the LGBTQ community and to say "No more" to hate, discrimination, and violence.

On this day, we acknowledge and appreciate the role of LGBTQ2 community organizations — including Fondation Emergence, the founders of the first day against homophobia in 2003 — which continually work to raise awareness and provide services and support to LGBTQ2 communities.

Adding that it is also important to remember here in Canada the historic injustice suffered by those affected by harassment, cleansing, systematic surveillance, and dismissal of federal employees due to sexual orientation, which occurred between the 1950s and 1990s.

On behalf of the survivors of this cleansing, today the LGBT Purge Fund issued a series of recommendations on how to respect, build, and enhance the diversity of the LGBTQ2 community and their inclusion in federal workplaces.

Minister Bardish Chagger said in her statement, "Today we look forward to reviewing these recommendations and working together to create a more diverse, inclusive, and safe workplace for everyone."

She clarified, "We particularly mention here homophobia, transphobia, misogyny, biphobia, and all forms of violence and racism that have no place in Canada or worldwide."

Adding, "Our government is committed to improving equality for LGBTQ2 communities through advancing human rights and developing inclusive federal policies, programs, and laws."

Minister Chagger concluded her statement by saying, "As Minister of Diversity, Inclusion, and Youth, I am committed to continuing to build national and global awareness where LGBTQ2 individuals can exist without fear of discrimination or violence, respecting their choices, and giving them full freedom to be their true selves."