Fate of transgender rights bill will rest on support of Conservatives


By Jennifer Ditchburn, The Canadian Press November 27, 2012


http://www.canada.com/news/Fate+transgender+rights+bill+will+rest+support+Conservatives/7617831/story.html


OTTAWA - Stephen Harper's Conservatives have declared themselves strong advocates for gay rights worldwide, but the prime minister's caucus is divided over a bill that would recognize some of those rights at home.

MPs are studying a private member's bill that would make it illegal to discriminate against transgendered Canadians and to disseminate hate on the basis of someone's gender identity or expression. Not all transgendered people are homosexual, but their issues are often represented within the gay and lesbian community.

Conservatives on the Commons committee handling the bill are split. At least two — Manitoba's Shelly Glover and B.C.'s Kerry-Lynne Findlay — have suggested they will vote in favour of the bill with some amendments.

With the support of the NDP and the Liberals, that means it will head back to the Commons, where it must pass two more key votes.