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

OTTAWA — While Canada has kept silent on Turkey’s crackdown on LGBTQ+ groups, Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand says that should not be interpreted as a lack of solidarity with oppressed people.

The Carney government did not join Germany, France and other countries last week in condemning Ankara for raiding multiple LGBTQ+ organizations and detaining hundreds of activists.

Global Affairs Canada has made no public comment and replied to a media request by saying it supports democracy and minorities — without specifically naming Turkey.

Canada is negotiating a free-trade agreement with Turkey and Prime Minister Mark Carney has said he is limiting the government’s public criticism on human rights in places such as China and Saudi Arabia.