2013 Rights and Freedoms Prize: Steve Foster of the Conseil québécois LGBT to be honoured

MONTREAL, Dec. 10, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - Today, the Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse will award its 2013 Rights and Freedoms Prize to Steve Foster, in recognition for his exceptional contribution to the advancement of rights and freedoms of members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual and transgender communities (LGBT), in Montréal.

For the past 26 years, the Commission has awarded this prize each year to commemorate the adoption by the United Nations of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on December 10, 1948.

"Members of the jury wanted to draw attention to the remarkable qualities of leadership, integrity and dedication of Steve Foster, a man of action who is passionately committed to defending with all his energy the rights of LGBT communities," said Jacques Frémont, president of the Commission and chair of the 2013 Rights and Freedoms Prize jury. "His actions have helped Québec society evolve and acknowledge the rights of members of LGBT communities, a recognition that lies at the heart of the Commission's mandate."

Through the awarding of this prize, the Commission wishes to acknowledge the work that has been done and continues to be accomplished to recognize the rights of members of the LGBT communities in Québec. Progress has been made over the past 15 years to combat discrimination towards LGBT individuals. Although legal equality has been achieved in Québec for members of the LGBT communities, there is still much to be done to achieve real social equality.

Mr. Foster has been overseeing the Conseil québécois LGBT since 2006. He has played a key role rallying LGBT organizations, fostering and coordinating exchanges between community groups and politicians, denouncing homophobic comments in the media and giving a voice to people most at risk of discrimination, transsexuals and transgenders. He has received the support of several community groups and public figures who have hailed his commitment, his reliability, his integrity and his availability despite a busy schedule.

The jury made up of the president of the Commission, Jacques Frémont, the previous winner of the Rights and Freedoms Prize, Raymond Viger co-director of the Journal de la Rue and author-composer-singer-activist Jenny Salgado (aka J.Kyll), reviewed 20 submissions, many demonstrating a strong commitment to the defense of human rights and the rights of youth.

The Rights and Freedoms Prize ceremony will be held today from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Hôtel Gouverneur, Place Dupuis, Salon La Capitale, 1415, rue Saint-Hubert, Montréal.

Contact:

Meissoon Azzaria 514 873-5146 or 1 800 361-6477 extension 358
Cell.: 514 795-0736
[email protected]

SOURCE: Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse

Meissoon Azzaria 514 873-5146 or 1 800 361-6477 extension 358
Cell.: 514 795-0736
[email protected]