Justin Trudeau makes announcement as he becomes first Canadian prime minister to march in gay pride parade

This article is more than 4 years old

This article is more than 4 years old

Canada is exploring the use of gender-neutral options on identity cards, Justin Trudeau told a television station on Sunday as he became the first Canadian prime minister to march in a gay pride parade.



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Trudeau, who participated in the downtown Toronto parade along with other politicians, did not give details, saying only the government was exploring the “best way” and studying other jurisdictions.

“That’s part of the great arc of history sweeping towards justice,” he told CP24.

Last week, the Canadian province of Ontario said it would allow the use of a third gender indicator, X, for driver’s licenses, which are commonly used in North America to provide identification.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Trudeau poses for a photo as he greets spectators at the Toronto pride parade. Photograph: Mark Blinch/AP

Countries including Australia, New Zealand and Nepal already allow the use of the X gender indicator.

Trudeau also said last month’s relaxation of Canadian blood-donation restrictions on men who have sex with other men was “not good enough,” saying the government was going to work toward easing it further.

According to Canadian Blood Services, men who have sex with other men can now donate after one year of abstinence, down from five years previously.

Trudeau said Toronto’s annual parade was made more poignant this year by the shooting rampage that killed 49 people last month at the Pulse gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Toronto pride participants display the names of the Orlando shooting victims. Photograph: Ian Willms/Getty Images

“We have to remember the importance of safe spaces and safe communities, like the Pulse was, is something to uphold,” he said.