Canada’s prime minister, Justin Trudeau, is scoring more brownie points with the gays. But this time it’s for more than his shirtless boxing photos.
Over the weekend, the 43-year-old leader announced plans to posthumously pardon Everett George Klippert, a former City of Calgary bus driver who was labeled a dangerous sex offender and locked up in prison 50 years ago after telling police he was gay.
“The prime minister intends to recommend that a pardon under the authority of the Royal Prerogative of Mercy be granted posthumously to Mr. Klippert,” Trudeau’s office said in a statement.
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It all started after an arson attack in 1965. Klippert was questioned about the fire by police. Though it was ultimately determined that he was not involved, during questioning he did admit to having consensual sexual relations with four men. Because of this, he was charged with four counts of gross indecency.
In 1966, a Crown-appointed psychiatrist concluded that Klippert’s homosexuality was “incurable” and that, therefore, he was a “dangerous sexual offender.” A judge agreed and sentenced him to prison, where he stayed locked up until 1971, two years after homosexuality was decriminalized in Canada.
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Today, Trudeau hopes to right that wrong, and as many others his office can find. The weekend’s statement went on to say that the prime minister will look to pardon other members of the LGBTQ community who were unfairly convicted on charges such as gross indecency and buggery.
“As Canadians, we know that protecting and promoting fundamental human rights must be an imperative for governments and individuals alike, and this includes gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation,” the statement said.
Trudeau also announced he will march in Toronto’s Pride parade on July 3, making him the first sitting Prime minister in Canada to participate in the event.
Related: Canada’s Trans Soldiers Aren’t Just Allowed To Serve. They’re Allowed To Pick Their Uniform
H/t: CBC News
canadalaw
And this is why I am proud to be a Canadian.
Hussain-TheCanadian
I met him when he visited our Province; he let me kiss his cheeks (BLUSH) – I almost called him “daddy”.
On a serious note, when a country has a young educated leader, who really listens to the people, talks to them, and says “If I do wrong tell me” – this is the kind of progressive liberal political class we all should want.
Personally I don’t understand why the American citizenry don’t want to join Canada and Western Europe when it comes to the hallmarks of progressive politics.
davidjohng
50 years ago wasn’t really that long ago. In fact I remember 1966, I was 12. Nonetheless what happened to this man was unbelievable and maddening. Young
gay men need to hear these stories so they can never forget what older gay men went through. We have our own history that needs to be told and appreciated….starting with us.
gjg64
He’d already won me with his “Because it’s 2015” answer but what a guy!
Robert Zakem
He may not have the brains of his father but with a face like that who cares about brains. ð???
Transiteer
It’s another proud day to be Canadian. It should never have happened, but it did. And now it’s been put right. A lot is being put right now that we’ve rid ourselves of those hateful ignorant and stupid Conservatives. We’re back to what we are. This will be followed by the pardoning of any and all who were convicted of gross indecency and buggery. All actions then based on malicious religiosity, now relegated to the historical dustbin.
Randy Judd
Experiencing a little candidate envy. Not only pleasing to the eye, but well rounded socially and intelligently charismatic leader.
Why hasn’t fate rendered him a dual citizenship?
Sigh*
Rubio oh Rubio whyfore art thou so phobic de homo?
Douglas Schlitz
He should be giving humanities lessons to the entire GOP lineup !
They could learn a few things. Although you can’t fix stupid !
ShaunNJ
Excellent move! If Trump becomes President and I have to move to Canada, my consolation is I get Trudeau as Prime Minister! http://cbiftrumpwins.com/#intro
Brian
Too little, too late. It’s my belief that those who prosecuted this poor man should be jailed if they are still alive.
By the way, he wasn’t jailed for saying he’s gay. He was jailed for saying that he had consenting sex with men. Big difference.
Kamuriie
Justin Trudeau is gross.
Bryguyf69
@Brian wrote: “By the way, he wasn’t jailed for saying he’s gay. He was jailed for saying that he had consenting sex with men. Big difference.”
===
Wrong. Read the article carefully: “a Crown-appointed psychiatrist concluded that Klippert’s homosexuality was ‘incurable’ and that, therefore, he was a ‘dangerous sexual offender.’ A judge agreed and sentenced him to prison”
In other words, he was arrested and charged because he had sex with men, BUT he was THEN jailed because he admitted that he was gay thus “incurable” thus “dangerous.” On that basis, the judge imprisoned him. So yes, he was jailed because he was gay. If he merely had sex with men, i.e. for money, it would have been a different situation. It was the i”incurable” homosexuality that made him “dangerous.”
Bryguyf69
FYI, Justin Trudeau will be interviewed on tonight’s 60 Minutes (CBS 7pm although it’s almost always delayed by sports). I may upload…