It makes me very proud of British Columbia to see the rainbow flag flying over our legislature for the first time in our history. I raised concerns with the Speaker of the legislature that B.C. was the only province in Canada with no plans to fly the rainbow flag at the legislature, and I’m so pleased she, and the government agreed to act.

We are flying the rainbow pride flag during the Sochi Olympics to show our support for LGBT Russians who are facing legislated discrimination from their own government. We are also flying it to show our support for athletes from around the world who are currently in Sochi and having to consider their own safety and risks to their human rights. Flying the rainbow flag over our legislature is a symbol of British Columbians’ strong belief in equality, and against hatred directed towards lesbian, gay, bi, and transgender people.

On behalf of the Official Opposition I’d also like to thank, and praise Vancouver City Councilor and former MLA Tim Stevenson for his mission to Russia to speak out for LGBT people. We support his call to add sexual orientation into the IOC Charter and the City of Vancouver’s initiative to have Pride Houses (safe spaces for LGBT athletes and allies) to be included in future Olympic Games. British Columbians’ leadership in equality and human rights is well known. There is much more to be done, but today is a day we can all be proud of.