Bill C-389

We would like to take this opportunity to encourage you to do as much as possible to support Bill C-389 which is now before the senate.  This Bill, once law, would make it illegal to discriminate against a person based on gender identity or expression, which until now has not been protected in law for the nation and very few actually protect.

There are those who claim this is a “bathroom bill”.  No, it is not. There are those among us who need this protection. Yes, in Canada, there IS discrimination.  I, Vanessa Cummings, can personally vouch for that.  Until I presented myself in “drab” (read: male) I was denied renting an apartment even. Yes, here in Canada, yes, here in Montreal. The one time I presented as male for an apartment I got it, no problems at all.  Showed the exact same paperwork that I had shown before. No, it was not “luck of the draw” – there was discrimination.

Being transsexual is NOT a “choice”.  It is NOT a “lifestyle”. A person who is transsexual is someone who is transitioning from one sex to another.  The gender they identify with.  And there are those who choose not to fully transition, who actually desire to be a “third gender”.  There is no reason to deny them basic human rights. 

This is a very very very important bill to get passed through the senate NOW.  Why?  Because since the Conservatives were essentially the only ones to really vote against it in parliament, there is a chance that even they can trigger an election any day now, thus killing the bill in the senate.  If this bill is killed in the senate, we are stuck starting from scratch – again. This is why an election now is definitely not desireable.

How do you help?  Well, check out below!

http://passbillc389.wordpress.com/how-you-can-help/

http://petition.web.net/psac/node/48

http://www2.parl.gc.ca/Sites/LOP/LEGISINFO/index.asp?Language=E&Session=23&query=6825&List=toc-1

Sign now! Encourage your Senator to ensure protection!!!!