On Tuesday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that his government will enact new protections for transgender citizens. The moves comes on The International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia.
According to the Canadian Department of Justice, the new legislation will update both the Canadian Human Rights Act and the country's Criminal Code to include gender identity and gender expression as a “distinguishing feature of a person.” If enacted the legislation would criminalize discrimination, harassment and violence based on that feature.
Trudeau made the announcement after he received the Laurent McCutcheon Award, named after the pioneer in the fight against homophobia who served as president of the Montreal hotline Gai Écoute from 1982 until 2013.
The award highlights Trudeau's continued support for lesbian, gay, transgender and bisexual individuals in Quebec and across Canada.
“I believe in a Canada where men can give blood, regardless of their sexual orientation,” Trudeau said. “Where transgender people are protected by the law.”
“A Canada where all prime ministers are proud to walk with the LGBT community during gay pride parades.”
The bill aimed at safeguarding transgender Canadians is to be tabled in the House of Commons on May 17, the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.
“We must carry on the legacy of those who fought for justice by being bold and ambitious in our actions,” Trudeau said. “And we must work diligently to close the gap between our principles and reality.”
Trudeau also took to Twitter on Tuesday to share the news.
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
Watch Trudeau make the announcement, below.
You can read Trudeau's full statement, below:
“Today, I join Canadians – and people around the world – to recognize 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.
“On this important day, I encourage all Canadians to raise awareness, and mobilize to end the violence, prejudice, and judgement faced by LGBTQ2 persons.
“As a society, we have taken many important steps toward recognizing and protecting the legal rights for the LGBTQ2 community – from enshrining equality rights in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms to the passage of the Civil Marriage Act. There remains much to be done, though. Far too many people still face harassment, discrimination, and violence for being who they are. This is unacceptable.
“To do its part, the Government of Canada today will introduce legislation that will help ensure transgender and other gender-diverse people can live according to their gender identity, free from discrimination, and protected from hate propaganda and hate crimes.
“Today, let us unite in a global celebration of diversity, and reaffirm our commitment to unequivocally defend LGBTQ2 rights as human rights. We will never stop fighting for a safer, more equal, and more just world for all of our children.”
