On August 28, the federal government decriminalizes homosexual acts for consenting adults over 21, under then-Justice Minister Pierre Trudeau. On the 28th of that month, under police watch, the first gay demonstration in Ottawa takes place. 100 activists attend. On July 9th, the second annual Gay Picnic is held as part of a series of events for The first Gay Pride Week . The week includes a festival, film night, Pride Dance, a rally and a march to Queen's Park.
Activists present a brief to the Ontario government.
1973 Pride Week is August 17-26 . The organizers ask Mayor David Crombie to recognize the event and are turned down. Permission to march on Yonge Street is also denied. 1974 Pride Week is August 17-24 and includes another Pride Picnic on Ward's Island, a theatre night and church service at Metropolitan Community Church. More than 100 people march from Allan Gardens to Queen's Park in an effort to include sexual orientation in the Ontario Human Rights Code.