OTTAWA— Legislation was introduced in Canada on Tuesday that would protect transgender citizens from discrimination. The move was announced in a press conference held by Minister of Justice Jody Wilson-Raybould.
“This legislation would update the Canada Human Rights Act to protect persons from being discriminated against because of their gender identity or their gender expression. We also intend to update the criminal code so that those who are targeted because of their gender identity or gender expression are protected against hate propaganda and hate crimes,” said Wilson-Raybould in her statement.
“Today, I join Canadians – and people around the world – to recognize the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia.” – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
The proposed law also has the backing of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who is following up on a campaign promise to protect transgender individuals. It comes on the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. “Today, I join Canadians – and people around the world – to recognize the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia,” said prime Minister Trudeau in a statement released on Tuesday. “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.”
He also took to twitter:
Today, we’ve tabled a bill to protect Canadians from being discriminated against based on gender identity or gender expression. #FreeToBeMe
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) May 17, 2016
…the bill also extends hate-crime sections of the Criminal Code to include those targeted based on gender identity. https://t.co/7zdYFNLEDZ
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) May 17, 2016
The bill, known as C-16, faces opposition from Canadian conservative groups and it failed to pass on two occasions earlier this decade. Some supporters of the proposed law feel that it does not do enough s it only covers interactions with the federal government and federal industries. Just last week, the transgender rights issue took center stage in the United States as the State of North Carolina and the United States Justice Department counter sued each other over the state’s recent HB2 legislation which attempts to legalize discrimination against the transgender community. Transgender rights are quickly becoming a world wide issue.
Watch Minister of Justice Jody Wilson-Raybould’s statement below:
