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Bill, C-389, adds gender identity and gender expression to the list of prohibited grounds of discrimination in the Canadian Human Rights Act
Ottawa (3 November 2010) – A historic Private Member’s Bill is one step closer to becoming law after it passed without amendments last night at the Justice and Human Rights Committee. The bill, introduced by Member of Parliament and NDP LGBTT Critic Bill Siksay, passed with 9 MPs supporting and two voting against.
Siksay’s bill, C-389, adds gender identity and gender expression to the list of prohibited grounds of discrimination in the Canadian Human Rights Act and amends the hate crimes and sentencing provisions of the Criminal Code of Canada.
“This is great news,” said Siksay. “This positive step in the legislative process comes after consultations with members of the transsexual and transgender community across Canada, after several versions of the bill, and after a lot of work by trans activists and allies. We are on track toward ensuring the full protection of transgender and transsexual Canadians under the law.”
The bill now goes back to the House of Commons for debate and a vote at report stage and third reading. Depending on the House calendar this next step could come in December.
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