The Okanagan College Pride Group is non-partisan so feel-free to send in news releases, etc. from various parties, about glbt issues.
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"May 26, 2011
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."
Adrian Dix and the New Democrats believe in taking action to protect all British Columbians from violence, harassment and discrimination."
Source: http://www.bcndpcaucus.ca/en/new_democrats_take_steps_to_protect_transgendered_people
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"... 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...Sincerely, Spencer Chandra Herbert, MLA Vancouver-West End"
MLA Finder: http://www.leg.bc.ca/mla/3-1-1.htm?utm_source=GLBT&utm_campaign=d5a807c73c-West+End+Community+Survey+February+2011&utm_medium=email
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
OC Pride Group: only online
Just to let everyone know May 31st has come and gone which means we are only online at this point. This website will be updated as needed. We are also on Facebook under "Glbt Okanagan-College".