Robinson wins award for human rights activism
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Updated: October 22, 2009 4:40 PM
Svend Robinson, former New Democrat MP for Burnaby-Douglas, and Canada’s first openly gay MP, has been awarded the 2009 Grand Prix of the Conseil Québécois des Gais et Lesbiennes (CQGL) for his passionate commitment to human rights activism.
He is only the second to win the prize, following former Supreme Court Justice and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Hon. Louise Arbour.
“Svend Robinson’s unshakeable personal, social, and political commitment to defending LGBTT human rights in Canada and around the world cannot help but inspire us,” said CQGL president Steve Foster. “His is an extraordinary story of a life of conviction and spirit, dedicated to promoting the fundamental principle of human dignity in all its forms.”
Robinson’s activism for equality for minorities and an end to oppression was a feature of his political career before and after coming out. His defence of aboriginal human rights led to his adoption by the Haida nation in 1985.
“Svend led the way for openly gay and lesbian politicians at the federal level in Canada,” said current Burnaby-Douglas NDP MP Bill Siksay, who worked with Robinson for 18 years before succeeding him as MP for the riding.
“Both before and after his coming out, Svend was a relentless advocate for the LGBTT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and transsexual) community, pressing for full human rights for LGBTT Canadians and succeeding in moving governments to act over and over again.”
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