North America » Canada
Gay Guide Canada
Canada is a very liberal country and has a very colorful gay-and-lesbian scene. The age of consent does not distinguish between homosexual and heterosexual acts: it is 16 for all, but the age limit of 18 years applies to prostitution and sex with drug addicts. The same applies to anal intercourse - this discrimination against gay men has long been criticised by critics as unconstitutional and the liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who was appointed in 2015 and is regarded as very LGBT-friendly, announced a change in the law. Trudeau was even the first Canadian prime minister to attend a Pride Parade. Protection against discrimination on the grounds of homosexuality is enshrined in law. Canadian jurisprudence is extremely progressive: same-sex partnerships have been possible since 2005 and enjoy the same rights as marriage - including adoption. Over a decade ago, Canada enacted the Civil Marriage Act, allowing same-sex marriage. 2016 marks the year in which Canada expressly established the prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation in the Canadian Human Rights Act 20 years ago. Trudeau appointed a cabinet in which men and women are equally represented. Canada therefore made a leap in the worldwide ranking of gender equality from rank 20 to 3. The three metropolises Toronto, Vancouver and Montréal are of particular interest to gay and lesbian travellers. Canada - that is wilderness sprinkled with lively large cities on an enormous surface: this varied country has 6 time zones, is surrounded by three oceans and is thus the second largest country in the world. Contrary to prejudice that Canada were a frosty country high up in the north, Canadians are in no way less eager in terms of joie de vivre, partying and culture than Europeans.
States in Canada
British ColumbiaNewfoundland | OntarioPrince Edward Island | Québec |
Location: North America
Initials: CAN
International country code: 1 (omit 1 from area code)
International access code: 011
Language: English, French
Currency: 1 Canadian Dollar (CA$) = 100 Cents
Population: 34,880,000
Capital: Ottawa
Religions: 43,6% Catholic, 29,2% Protestant
Climate: Summer (Jul & Aug) are best, when many of the country's festivals take place. The peak tourist season is between Jun-Sep.