Canada- Ontario trans rights bill gets all-party support

[SandraJane]

Ontario trans rights bill gets all-party support


Fourth time's the charm for bill known as Toby's Act


Justin Ling / National / Friday, May 11, 2012


http://www.xtra.ca/public/National/Ontario_trans_rights_bill_gets_allparty_support-11978.aspx


Ontario NDP MPP Cheri DiNovo stood beaming in the Ontario Legislature on May 10.

"Today we have seen the 'progressive' in Progressive Conservatives. We have seen the true 'liberal' values in the Liberal Party," she said.

DiNovo's legislation, Bill 33, finally made it through second reading in the provincial legislature.

The bill - also known as Toby's Act - has seen the floor of the legislature three times before. It's named for well-respected trans rights activist Toby Dancer, who died in 2004. This time, for the first time, it appears that it may pass.

[Jamiep]

Hi,

I really hope this gets done. I have briefly met Davina. My trans friend and activist is on the left side of the photograph.

As for the federal bill, I believe it is C-389 (could be wrong), I think I remember it being in the Senate for review. Perhaps it got sent back to parliament. Too bad it comes to party politics, but I don't think the Conservatives care about human beings. This bill isn't about them, it is about our rights. Things move slow in legislature so I don't expect anything on this front soon.

Jamie

[eli77]

Hi,

I really hope this gets done. I have briefly met Davina. My trans friend and activist is on the left side of the photograph.

As for the federal bill, I believe it is C-389 (could be wrong), I think I remember it being in the Senate for review. Perhaps it got sent back to parliament. Too bad it comes to party politics, but I don't think the Conservatives care about human beings. This bill isn't about them, it is about our rights. Things move slow in legislature so I don't expect anything on this front soon.

Jamie

It's now bill C-279. Bill C-389 passed the house and moved on to the senate, but died when the election was called. It's now slowly moving back through the house, but the federal conservatives will probably kill it now that they have a majority.

Really interesting that the Ontario conservatives are supporting the provincial bill. Looks they are distancing themselves a bit from the feds on the social issue stuff. Good sign.

[Jamiep]

Hi Sarah,

C-279, that is it, thanks. I think it was introduced by NDP MP Mr. Garrison, may be having a second reading this month. Sadly, I think I agree with you that the Conservatives my kill this bill, which will be a tragic setback. Through all of the elections over the past five years a lot of bills have had to be reintroduced, C-389 didn't seem to be a priority & kept being kicked to the curb. I though as long as this bill was in the Senate it wouldn't have to start all over again with another election, as it was out of parliament.

Ontario has taken time processing this too, but I think common sense prevailed & separates us from the "fools on the Hill."

Jamie