Sex reassignment surgery funding debate heats up

[Butterfly]

Sex reassignment surgery funding debate heats up
Edmonton Sun
By SHAWN LOGAN, Special to Sun Media
Last Updated: 24th October 2009, 4:56pm


http://www.edmontonsun.com/news/edmonton/2009/10/24/11515356.html


Alberta's finance minister doubts the province will reverse its decision to drop sex changes from its list of publicly-funded surgeries, despite advice from a gay rights group.

The Queer Allied Network (QAN), an Edmonton-based advocacy group formed after the province de-listed gender reassignment surgery as a medically necessary procedure in the spring budget, has presented Alberta lawmakers with a "work list" for the upcoming legislative session.

In addition to reinstating provincial funding for sex change surgery, the group wants the government to repeal Bill 44, which allows parents to pull children out of classes focusing on sex, religion or sexual orientation, as well as revise the Education Act in a "fair and equitable way."