Pierre Poilievre’s Complete Track Record on LGBTQ Issues
The conservative candidate for Canada’s next Prime Minister mimics much of President Donald Trump and right-wing American politicians’ rhetoric on transgender rights.
For over 150 years, the United States has been Canada’s closest ally. But in the last few months, that relationship has deteriorated as the Trump administration has imposed sweeping tariffs on certain Canadian goods, called former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau “governor” and threatened to annex the country.
This unprecedented strain is occurring as Canada is on the precipice of electing a new leader. On Friday, former central banker Mark Carney was sworn in as Prime Minister. In the coming months, Canadians will decide whether Carney retains this position or if Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre will take over.
Polls suggest the election will be tight. Uncloseted Media wanted to investigate both candidates’ track records when it comes to LGBTQ issues. While Carney has yet to publicly take a stance on queer matters, Poilievre has a colorful past. From flip-flopping on gay marriage—which he now supports—to echoing the anti-trans rhetoric of the Trump administration and Republicans in the U.S., here is Poilievre’s complete track record.
Early Life: 1990s
When Pierre Poilievre is about 12 years old, his adoptive parents split up and his father comes out as gay. That “was never a source of difficulty for him,” Andrew Lawton writes in his 2024 biography about Poilievre. In a Toronto Star op-ed about the biography, columnist Andrew Phillips notes that it’s surprising there is not more information about this in the biography. “It’s hard to believe there isn’t more to say about events that would be life-shaking for anyone.”
Member of Parliament: 2004–Present
June 28, 2004
Poilievre is elected as a Member of Parliament, representing Ontario’s Nepean-Carleton Constituency.
April 19, 2005
Video by House of Commons.
As a conservative member of parliament, Poilievre speaks to the House of Commons against the Civil Marriage Act, which was intended to legalize gay marriage.
“It is an honour to rise today in support of the traditional definition of marriage.” He continues his speech by accusing the Liberal Prime Minister, Paul Edgar Philippe Martin, of “[dividing] Canadians with their obsession with imposing gay marriage.”
Poilievre frames the issue of legalizing gay marriage as being in opposition to the “traditional family.” He refers to a bishop who opposes gay marriage as “pro-family.” Despite Poilievre’s opposition, the Civil Marriage Act passes on June 28, 2005.
Dec. 7, 2006
Poilievre votes in favor of a Conservative motion that seeks to overturn same-sex marriage by defining marriage as a heterosexual relationship while recognizing existing LGBTQ marriages. The motion is defeated by a vote of 175-123, with 13 conservatives voting against it.
Member of Parliament for Carleton: 2020-2022
Jan. 17, 2020
In an interview with the Québeqois French-language publication La Presse, Poilievre clarifies that his position on gay marriage has changed: "I am in favour of gay marriage. Period. I voted against it 15 years ago. But I have learned a lot, like millions and millions of people across Canada and around the world. I see that gay marriage is a success. The institution of marriage must be open to all citizens, regardless of their sexual orientation," Poilievre states.
Video via of Pierre Poilievre’s X account.
Jan. 22, 2020
Richard Décarie, who was an advisor to former Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper, makes homophobic comments during an on-air interview with CTV News. He says being gay is a choice and declares that the “government has a responsibility to encourage the traditional values that we have had for the past years.”
Poilievre responds to Décarie’s comments on X: “The comments are as unacceptable as they are ignorant. You do not speak for Conservatives—or for Canadians. Being gay is NOT a choice. Being ignorant is.”
Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada: 2022- Present
Sept. 10, 2022
Poilievre is elected leader of the Conservative Party of Canada. “Tonight begins the journey to replace an old government that costs you more and delivers you less with a new government that puts you first: your paycheck, your retirement, your home, your country. By tackling liberal inflation, we will put you back in control of your life and your money,” he says in his victory speech.
He also thanks his father and his dad’s partner, adding, “We’re a complicated and mixed up bunch like most families, like our country.”
Video courtesy of Global News.
Sept. 13, 2022
Poilievre unveils a House of Commons leadership team of nine people, including two gay Members of Parliament. This includes Deputy Leader Melissa Lantsman and party-caucus liaison Eric Duncan.
June 2, 2023
During a press conference in Winnipeg, Poilievre is asked about a Ugandan law seeking to imprison LGBT people, as well as whether he plans to attend a Pride march. “The Ugandan law is outrageous and appalling,” responds Poilievre. “We should continue to give refuge in Canada to LGBT people who are persecuted abroad.”
Poilievre goes on to acknowledge the beginning of Pride Month in Canada: “I wish everyone a happy Pride month because our freedom is something in which all of us can take pride.”
July 2023
At the Calgary Stampede, Poilievre poses for a picture with a man wearing a Straight Pride shirt. Straight Pride is a movement formed in response to the advancement of gay rights, emphasizing the importance of heterosexual relationships over queer ones. After news of the controversial picture spreads, Poilievre says he “[doesn’t] agree with the T-shirt."
Sept. 9, 2023
Poilievre’s Conservative Party approves two new party policies barring transgender youth from what the motion describes as "life-altering medicinal or surgical interventions." The policies pass at the convention by a vote of 69%.
According to the CBC, it is not clear which specific procedures and treatments are banned. Poilievre—who, as party leader, is not obligated to adopt policies passed at the convention—refrains from taking a clear stance. He says he will “be studying them carefully and talking with our caucus members. … When we've had a chance to do our homework we'll have more to say."
Sept. 2023
In June, New Brunswick passes a policy that requires parental consent for students under 16 to be referred to by their preferred name and pronouns. In August, Saskatchewan follows suit, using the notwithstanding clause—also known as Section 33—to pass the motion titled the “Parents’ Bill of Rights.”
In response, a wave of protests break out across the country. While pro-LGBTQ groups feel these policies violate queer students’ autonomy and privacy, protestors condemn the “sexualization” of education and push for “parents’ rights.”
In response, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau releases a statement on X: “Let me make one thing very clear: Transphobia, homophobia, and biphobia have no place in this country. We strongly condemn this hate and its manifestations, and we stand united in support of 2SLGBTQI+ Canadians across the country – you are valid and you are valued.”
In a reply to the post, Poilievre says Trudeau “always divides to distract from all he has broken.” Framing the issue of LGBTQ policies in schools as one centered around parents’ rights (a common strategy used in the U.S.), Poilievre accuses Trudeau of “demonizing concerned parents.”
“Parents should be the final authority on the values and lessons that are taught to children,” says Poilievre. “Trudeau should butt out and let parents raise their kids.”
November 2023
In a video taken at a meet-and-greet in a Toronto suburb, Poilievre says to members of the Chinese-Canadian community that “Justin Trudeau does not have a right to impose his radical gender ideology on our kids and our schools.” What conservatives often label as “radical gender ideology” often refers to the acceptance and usage of students’ preferred pronouns and gender identity.
Jan. 31, 2024
Conservative Premier of Alberta, Danielle Smith, announces a new plan to ban some elements of gender-affirming healthcare for trans kids. Smith’s plan includes prohibiting puberty blockers and hormone therapies for those aged 15 and under, and it bans gender reassignment surgeries for minors aged 17 and under.
Only eight chest surgeries were performed in Alberta for reasons of gender dysphoria from 2022-2023. Bottom surgeries were already restricted for minors nationally.
Feb. 6, 2024
Poilievre pledges his support for Smith’s proposals. He says he “[thinks] we should protect children and their ability to make adult decisions when they’re adults.”
Video courtesy of The Canadian Press.
Feb. 7, 2024
During a news conference on Parliament Hill, Poilievre is asked by a journalist to confirm, in the context of Alberta’s proposed policy, that he was against the use of puberty blockers for people under 18. He answers, “yes.” It’s important to note that Smith’s proposal would only ban blockers for kids under the age of 16.
Feb. 2024
The Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO) issues an Action Alert titled, “Hon. Pierre Poilievre, stop targeting transgender youth!” RNAO urges Canadians to sign the alert that accuses Poilievre of “echoing and amplifying anti-transgender views across the country.”
“These views are ill-informed and dangerous to the health and wellbeing of some of the most vulnerable youth in our society,” the report states.
Feb. 21, 2024
Poilievre states that trans women, who he refers to as “biological males,” are not to be permitted in women’s sports leagues and change rooms. In response, Amnesty International, an NGO focused on human rights, condemns Poilievre’s statement: “This shameful rhetoric [puts] trans and gender-diverse people at further risk; it obscures the realities of gender-based violence in Canada.”
Prime Minister Trudeau also condemns Poilievre, stating, “Mr. Poilievre went off against the LGBT community again this morning. … Let far-right politicians pick fights with trans kids,” Trudeau continues. “Shame on them.”
Feb. 21, 2024
Egale Canada, a leading Canadian LGBTQ advocacy group releases a statement saying Poilievre’s “transphobic comments” were “irresponsible and dangerous.” Egale Canada urges “Pierre Poilievre, and all of our political leaders, to immediately stop contributing to the spread of harmful disinformation. It is more urgent than ever that we all work together to take action to end the violence against 2SLGBTQI people in our country.”
March 2024
A civil and human rights e-petition is put forward in the House of Commons by Liberal Member of Parliament Randy Boissonnault. The petition asks Poilievre to issue a formal apology for the anti-trans comments on Feb. 21. The petition received 238 signatures, less than half of the 500 signatures required to certify the petition.
June 2024
Poilievre has yet to appear at a Pride March, which has become a common tradition for Canadian leaders from all parties—including Justin Trudeau, Jagmeet Singh and even conservative Premier Doug Ford.
June 3, 2024
In a media statement, Poilievre says he disagrees with a member of his caucus, Arnold Viersen, who opposes gay marriage and supports abortion restrictions. "Canadians are free to love and marry who they choose. Same-sex marriage is legal and it will remain legal when I am prime minister, full stop,” he says.
He goes on to say that he will “lead a small government that minds its own business, letting people make their own decisions about their love lives, their families, their bodies, their speech, their beliefs and their money. … We will put people back in charge of their lives in the freest country in the world."
Jan. 21, 2025
One day after President Donald Trump signs an executive order proclaiming male and female as the only legitimate sexes, Poilievre says he is “only aware of two genders.” Poilievre suggests the Canadian government should not have a role to play in conversations about gender identity, stating “we should have a government that just minds its own damn business and leaves people alone to make their own personal decisions.”’
Timothy Caulfield, a professor at the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Law and School of Public Health, calls Poilievre’s comments “ridiculous” and adds that Poilievre is “trying to align himself with the MAGA sentiment about gender.” Caulfield also critiques Poilievre for politicizing LGBTQ rights: “It’s the Conservatives that have made this a wedge issue, as they’ve in the past with culture war topics.”
Jan. 2025
LGBTQ rights organizations in Quebec and across the country speak out against Poilievre, with many in the trans and nonbinary community fearful for their rights if he were to become Canada’s next Prime Minister.
“Trans people are under attack to the degree that we haven’t seen for decades. And I’ll say I’m scared for my life right now,” trans rights activist Celeste Trianon told CTV News.
Additional reporting by Sam Donndelinger and Spencer Macnaughton
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The issue with Poilievre is that he’s very much a “if you don’t like these principles, I’ve got these other ones over here for you” kind of politician. I don’t know that he “believes” anything himself beyond whatever he concludes he needs to do in order to advance his own career.
That’s a problem - because it inevitably means that he goes wherever the loudest voices in the party are (and because of the Reform history, that often means the loudest voices are also some of the nastiest). Poilievre can claim that “he’s evolved” on gay marriage, but rest assured the rump of his party most definitely has not.
One additional entry:
In 2008, he vocally opposed re-adding GRS to Ontario's provincial health insurance program.
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/ottawa-should-not-pay-for-sex-change-operations-mp-says/article18450858/
https://xtramagazine.com/power/taking-conservative-comments-personally-38170