Garrison criticizes Anders’ petition against the gender identity bill

New Democrat Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender critic Randall Garrison expressed his outrage at the petition against Bill C-279 published by the MP for Calgary West.

“Anders' petition is based on ignorance, misinformation, and fear. He is deliberately promoting prejudice against transgendered and transsexual people by portraying them as sexual offenders and pedophiles,” said Garrison.

Contrary to Anders’ claims, Bill C-279 seeks to guarantee transgender, transsexual and gender diverse Canadians the same human rights that all other Canadians enjoy. The legislation has only two provisions: amending the Canadian Human Rights Code to protect transgender and transsexual Canadians and amending the hate crimes section of the criminal code to protect transgender and transsexual Canadians against violence.

“Anders' petition's focus on access to bathrooms demonstrates his misunderstanding of basic concepts. Similar provisions have already been adopted in the NWT, Manitoba, and Ontario with none of the absurd consequences he fears.”

NDP deputy critic for LGBT Dany Morin (Chicoutimi- Le Fjord) also criticized Anders' petition. "I am convinced however that petitions based on misinformation and prejudice are unlikely to sway Members of Parliament who gave careful consideration to this bill before voting for it," he concluded.