Bill C-279: Senate Debate on Amending the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Criminal Code (gender identity)

http://blogs.montrealgazette.com/2013/04/18/bill-c-279-senate-debate-on-amending-the-canadian-human-rights-act-and-the-criminal-code-gender-identity/
4/18/13
Jillian Page

This bill is specifically designed to do two things. First, it will amend the Canadian Human Rights Act to specify gender identity as a fundamental right and basis for defining discrimination. Second, it will amend the hate crimes section of the Criminal Code to include gender identity as a distinguishing characteristic in defining hate crimes under section 318, and also as aggravating circumstances to be taken into consideration at sentencing under section 718.2 of the Criminal Code.

Bill C-279 will rewrite the purpose of the Canadian Human Rights Act to include gender identity. I want to read the purpose of that act and add in gender identity, because it is such a powerful statement about fundamental Canadian values of equality and justice.