LGBTQ+ rights for foreign students

[Uyangoda]

I want to know whether LGBTQ students from other countries arriving through student visa are given equal rights as of local LGBTQ community, even from countries that criminalise homosexuality.

[SettlementOrgMod]

Hello There,

Thank you for sharing your question with us.

What are my rights as a lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer or questioning (LGBTQ+) person in Canada?

Discrimination because of sexual orientation and gender identity is against the law in Canada.
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms assures that all people, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer or questioning (LGBTQ+) persons, are equal before and under law.

Discrimination based on sexuality or gender orientation is against the law, regardless of immigration status. As an international student, your rights are also protected by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Here is an excerpt from the Guide to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms:

Who does the Charter protect and what rights are protected?
Any person in Canada – whether they are a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident or a newcomer – has the rights and freedoms contained in the Charter. There are some exceptions. For example, the Charter gives some rights only to Canadian citizens – such as the right to vote (section 3) and the right “to enter, remain in and leave Canada” (section 6).

We hope this information is helpful. You may also find helpful information in Settlement.Org articles for LGBTQ+ newcomers.

If you have any additional questions, please feel free to post them here.

Sincerely,

Your Settlement.Org Team