After reading a pair of articles sent to me by a West Hill member living in Taiwan, one on LGBTQ rights and the infiltration of Christian fundamentalist hysteria into that otherwise tolerant nation and the other on the inclusion of Taiwan on a list of countries deemed “unwelcome” at Canada Day festivities, I decided Canada Day was a great day to send letters to parliamentarians. So this went off with copies to the leaders of the NDP and Liberal parties and their Foreign Affairs critics.Dear Mr. Baird,
As I learned of the inclusion of Taiwan on a list of countries deemed unwelcome at Canada Day celebrations, I was puzzled and concerned. I recognize that it is the Canadian Press that has named the list one relating to “persona non grata” and that Taiwan’s listing may be related to the reality that Canada has not recognized it officially as a state but I urge you to remove it from the list in order to continue to strengthen the relationship Canada has been developing with the country. As you well know, perception is as important as intention in international affairs.
Over the past several months, Christian religious extremists have been working tirelessly within Taiwan to heighten the Buddhist and Taoist population’s rejection of the tolerance Taiwan has extended toward the LGBTQ community and so influence government policies regarding that community. LGBTQ individuals are fearing for their jobs and their safety in a country that has been generally affirming toward them over the past decades. Canada’s relationship with Taiwan at this time is very important as a positive influence in this challenging area of legislation and law. Please do all that you are able to ensure that Taiwan recognizes Canada as an ally and remove it from whatever lists may suggest otherwise.
Thank you for your attention to this matter on this special day in our nation’s history.
Yours truly,
Gretta Vosper
Minister
West Hill United Church
Toronto, ON