The Canadian government has announced plans to allow gay men along with families, women and children fleeing the conflict in Syria.

According to the National Post, recently elected Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his Liberal government have ruled out any chance of allowing lone males into the country.

However, due to the increased chance of persecution for homosexuality in Syria, Canada have decided gay men will be included in the first wave of migration from the war-torn region.

Canada’s plan for refugee intake, which is due to be announced in full today, will see the country accept 25,000 displaced people by the year’s end.

Leader of the NDP and Canada’s third major party Tom Mulcair says the government should provide more transparency in the decision process.

“While security concerns remain of vital importance, will a young man, who lost both parents, be excluded from the refugee program?” Mr Mulcair asked.

“Will a gay man who is escaping persecution be excluded? Will a widower who is fleeing Daesh after having seen his family killed be excluded? This is not the Canadian way.”

OIP Staff