In a joint statement at the North American Leaders Summit in Ottawa, Canada, the U.S. and Mexico promised solidarity with LGBTI communities as 2016 Pride celebrations begin across the continent. OTTAWA—The leaders of North America have called on the international community to “ensure full respect” for LGBTI people, as Canada and the United States pledge to step up equal rights advocacy at home and abroad. The Mexican president has faced criticism on his four-day visit to Canada on his country’s human rights record. While Mexico signed on to push the international community to support LGBTI rights, only Canada and the U.S. further pledged to flex their diplomatic muscle abroad to support the decriminalization of same-sex relationships. Amnesty International has urged Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to raise human rights issues, particularly violence against women, in bilateral talks with Pena Nieto.

Source: thestar June 29, 2016 15:35 UTC