Canada: Call on the Senate to protect transgender rights | Amnesty International Canada

12.5.17

Canada: Call on the Senate to protect transgender rights | Amnesty International Canada: Bill C-16, a bill protecting the rights of transgender individuals in Canada, is before the Senate right now. Senators are being flooded with messages opposing the protection of transgender people in Canadian human rights law. Your urgent action is needed to let Senators know that you support Bill C-16 swiftly passing into law.

On November 18, the House of Commons passed Bill C-16, an important step towards enshrining the equal rights of transgender individuals in Canadian law and providing protection from hate crimes. Bill C-16 will add gender identity and gender expression to the list of prohibited grounds of discrimination under the Canadian Human Rights Act. It will also add gender identity and gender expression to hate crimes sentencing provisions in the Canadian Criminal Code, providing transgender individuals with stronger protection from being deliberately targeted for acts of violence.

Bill C-16 is now before the Senate, and Senators are being flooded with messages opposing the protection of transgender people in Canadian human rights law. Now is the time to speak up. Contact Senators to let them know that you support human rights for everyone, including transgender people, and that you support Bill C-16.

Transgender people in Canada and around the world face extreme levels of violence and discrimination because they are transgender. In a recent nationwide survey, 74% of transgender youth reported experiencing verbal harassment in school, and 37% reported experiencing physical violence. Transgender individuals in Ontario face unemployment over three times the national rate and many more are underemployed. As a result of discrimination and bullying, the trans community faces high rates of mental health issues. Rates of depression are as high as two-thirds; 77% of transgender individuals in Ontario report having considered suicide, and 43% have attempted suicide at least once.

Transgender rights are human rights. Act now to protect transgender rights in Canada!