Take Action

March 20, 2012, updated April 8, 2013

Show your support for a bill calling for amendments to the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Criminal Code that will protect the rights of transgender and transsexual people in Canada.

Background

The Gender Identity Bill, Bill C-279, was passed by the House of Commons on March 20, 2013. It now goes to the Senate for a vote. Please write your senator today to show your support.

This bill, supported by both the Liberal and New Democratic parties, reaffirms a commitment to equality for all by reintroducing the Trans Rights Bill.

Bill C-279 reflects the United Church's belief that "God has brought forth human beings who are male, female, and sometimes dramatically or subtly a complex mix of male and female in their bodies." (See "Affirming the Participation and Ministry of Transgender People within The United Church of Canada and Supporting Their Civil and Human Rights," passed at the most recent General Council in 2009 and found on page 433 of the Record of Proceedings.)

The Gender Identity Bill moves to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act to prohibit discrimination on the grounds of gender identity or gender expression. It also seeks to amend the Criminal Code to include gender identity and gender expression as recognized prohibited grounds for discrimination when offences are motivated by bias, prejudice, or hate.

Transgender people face ongoing discrimination, have serious difficulties accessing housing, health care, employment, and protection under the law, and are too often victims of violence. Trans people are members of our families, our loved ones, our friends, colleagues, and neighbours, and they deserve to have their identity protected by the law the same way other marginalized populations do in Canada.

Take Action

1. Write, call, or e-mail the senators from your province. See a sample letter [RTF: 1 p/ 39 KB].
2. Read more about the United Church's work on Trans/Gender Diversity.

Please send your letters to:

Senators from your province: The Senate website has a complete list of senators with their e-mail addresses and fax and phone numbers.

Mail may be sent postage-free to any senator at the following address:

• Name of senator
  The Senate of Canada
  Ottawa, Ontario
  K1A 0A4

Please send copies of your letters and e-mails to:

• Barbara Lloyd
  Program Coordinator, Public Witness
  The United Church of Canada
  3250 Bloor Street West, Suite 300
  Toronto, ON  M8X 2Y4
  Tel: 416 231 5931 ext. 4196
  Toll-Free: 1-800-268-3781 ext. 4196
  Fax: 416-231-3103
  E-mail: Barbara Lloyd

For more information contact:

• Jordan Sullivan
  The United Church of Canada
  3250 Bloor St. West, Suite 300
  Toronto, ON  M8X 2Y4
  Phone: 1-800-268-3781
  Fax: 416-231-3103
  E-mail: Jordan Sullivan