[Viva] Fwd: FW: NEW DEMOCRATS TAKE STEPS TO PROTECT TRANSGENDERED PEOPLE

Thu May 26 13:59:47 PDT 2011

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Ross Harvey <rossh at positivelivingbc.org>
Date: Thu, May 26, 2011 at 1:39 PM
Subject: FW: NEW DEMOCRATS TAKE STEPS TO PROTECT TRANSGENDERED PEOPLE
To: Positive Living BC Group <group at positivelivingbc.org>

FYI

Ross Harvey

Executive Director

Positive Living BC

1107 Seymour Street, 2nd Floor

Vancouver, BC   V6B 5S8

t. 604.893.2252

f. 604.893.2251

c.604.788.9111

1.800.994.2437

www.positivelivingbc.org <http://www.bcpwa.org/>

*From:* Spencer Chandra Herbert, MLA Vancouver-West End [mailto:
s.chandraherbert.mla=leg.bc.ca at mail5.uk1.mcsv.co.uk] *On Behalf Of *Spencer
Chandra Herbert, MLA Vancouver-West End
*Sent:* May-26-11 1:40 PM
*To:* Ross Harvey
*Subject:* NEW DEMOCRATS TAKE STEPS TO PROTECT TRANSGENDERED PEOPLE

Email not displaying correctly? View it in your
browser.<http://us1.campaign-archive2.com/?u=11073062ad037597beccee62e&id=d5a807c73c&e=f860ca7713>

May 26, 2011

Friends,

Moments ago, I rose in the Legislature to introduce a bill in the British
Columbia Legislature that will at long last, ensure that transgendered
people are explicitly protected by the B.C. Human Rights Code. You can read
more about it by clicking
here.<http://spencerchandraherbert.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=11073062ad037597beccee62e&id=864c0d8859&e=f860ca7713>

I don’t need to tell you why this legislation is overdue, necessary and
just.

Simply put – it’s the right thing to do.

When passed, this new legislation will help mitigate the barriers to
employment, housing, discrimination and threat of violence that far too many
Tansgendered British Columbians endure.

This provincial legislation, builds upon Bill Siksay’s Bill C-389, which
sought to add gender identity and gender expression to the Canadian Human
Rights Act. Unfortunately, that important bill died in the Senate when the
last election happened.

Now, with the federal Conservative majority and the Senate stacked with
defeated Tories, it appears that there will be no explicit federal
protection for years to come.

That’s why it’s so important that we join together to act here in British
Columbia.

But we need *you* to help to get this legislation passed.

I ask you to spread the word and encourage your friends, families and peers
to contact their own MLA and ask for their commitment to support this
crucial legislation.

You can find your local MLA’s full contact information
here.<http://spencerchandraherbert.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=11073062ad037597beccee62e&id=e98265a699&e=f860ca7713>

I would like to thank the brave voices in our community that have stood so
tall, spoken up so bravely, and worked together to help in making this
legislation happen.

Their grace and dignity throughout has inspired me in crafting this
legislation and for that, I am most grateful.

Thank you for doing in your part in ensuring justice is done and our voices
are heard.

Sincerely,

Spencer Chandra Herbert, MLA
Vancouver-West End

http://bcndpcaucus.ca<http://spencerchandraherbert.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=11073062ad037597beccee62e&id=81ad1d671d&e=f860ca7713>
*MEDIA RELEASE*

*For Immediate Release*
*May 25, 2011*

*NEW DEMOCRATS TAKE STEPS TO PROTECT TRANSGENDERED PEOPLE*
*Amendment to the Human Rights Code needed to fight discrimination*

*VICTORIA – *Today, New Democrat MLA Spencer Chandra Herbert is introducing
The Gender Identity and Expression Human Rights Recognition Act, which would
ensure that transgendered people are explicitly protected by the B.C. Human
Rights Code.

"While the courts have read certain protections for gender identity and
expression into our human rights legislation, it is important for the
government to recognize transgendered people, by explicitly including them
in the human rights code," said Chandra Herbert. "Transgendered people still
face incredible barriers to employment and housing, and face discrimination
and the threat of violence almost everywhere they go."

Chandra Herbert noted that explicitly including gender identity and
expression in the human rights code will help ensure that landlords,
employers and ordinary people understand that transgendered people have the
right to live and work free from fear and discrimination.

Marie Little, chair of the Trans Alliance Society, agrees: "Protection, like
justice itself, must be seen to be done to be effective. Landlords,
employers, shopkeepers and restaurant owners - as well as ‘trans’ people
themselves must be able to see that these protections exist. I think this
bill will accomplish this," said Little. "Explicitly mentioning ‘gender
identity’ and ‘gender expression’ in the code goes a long way in the
direction of educating people about the issues facing the trans community."

"This is simple, non-partisan legislation that addresses a real need for
people in B.C. communities," said Chandra Herbert. "I hope that all members
of the legislature will work together to ensure it is passed during the
current sitting of the legislature."

Adrian Dix and the New Democrats believe in taking action to protect all
British Columbians from violence, harassment and discrimination.

*—30—*

*Media Contact: Jennifer Jones 250-889-6308*

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Spencer Chandra Herbert, MLA Vancouver-West End

923 Denman Street

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*Copyright (C) 2011 Spencer Chandra Herbert, MLA Vancouver-West End All
rights reserved.*

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