PSAC is thrilled that the House of Commons adopted a bill that will enshrine trans rights into Canadian law. The bill was passed at Third Reading, but will still need to go through the Senate.

Bill C-16 adds gender identity and gender expression as prohibited grounds of discrimination under the Canadian Human Rights Act. It also adds gender identity and gender expression to the list of distinguishing characteristics of “identifiable groups” protected by the hate speech provisions in the Criminal Code.

Years in the making

This comes after years of similar legislation being introduced as private members’ bills by NDP Members of Parliament, which were then stalled or sabotaged by the Conservative-dominated Senate. Trans Canadians and allies have spent decades campaigning for federal human rights protection.

Trans rights now!

“Trans people deserve respect, equality and protection from discrimination and violence,” said National President Robyn Benson. “We are proud to stand for trans human rights and urge the Senate to adopt Bill C-16 as soon as possible.”