The Canadian government has announced new legislation to protect transgender citizens from discrimination. The proposed bill would amend the Canadian Human Rights Act and Criminal Code to include protections for gender diverse people in regard to such areas as employment, education and hate crime prosecution. The bill covers both gender identity and gender expression. Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould proposed the bill yesterday to mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. “Everyone deserves to live free of stigma, persecution and discrimination — no matter who they are or whom they love. Today is about ensuring that all people — regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity — feel safe and secure and empowered to freely express themselves,” said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in a statement. The Canadian government was acting on recommendations from trans advocates says Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould. Currently, only eight of Canada’s 13 provinces and territories specifically include trans people under their human rights laws. Gender identity and gender expression are currently only cover in five provinces.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Wednesday, 18th May 2016 - 9:35am