“As Canadians, we can be proud that our great country was one of the first to sanction same-sex marriage. As Greens, we are proud that we were the first federal party to officially support the inclusion of same-sex couples in civil marriage.”

“Now, we must continue to improve. It is still unacceptable that trans-gendered people are rarely even considered when laws and public policies are created. We still have to make changes,” said May.

The Green vision is of a world free from discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, a world in which difference is accepted and celebrated.

Green Party MPs will:

• Amend the Canadian Human Rights Act to explicitly include gender identity and gender expression as protected grounds of discrimination.
• Amend the Criminal Code to include gender identity and gender expression in the hate sentencing and hate propaganda provisions.
• Support public education to end prejudice and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
• End the targeting by Canada Customs of LGBT bookstores and other LGBT businesses.
• Ensure Canada advocates internationally for an end to state-sanctioned discrimination and violence against LGBT people.

The post Greens Celebrate International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia appeared first on Elizabeth May.

“Everyone thought this issue of same-sex marriage was settled.  Canadians have over and over again indicated that they believe people have the right to marry without being discriminated against for their sexual orientation,” said Chris Lea, former leader of the Green Party of Canada and the first openly gay political party leader in Canadian history.

Canadians believe in freedom from discrimination. This includes people having the right to live their lives without being discriminated against for their race, creed, ethnic background, political beliefs or sexual orientation. A majority of Canadians applaud the fact that Canada was one of the first countries to sanction same-sex marriage. Existing legislation and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms prohibit discrimination.

In 1996, the Green Party of Canada became the first federal party to officially support the inclusion of same-sex couples in civil marriage.

“The Harper government’s position shows a total disrespect of gays and lesbians and their families, contempt of law, legislation and due process. As confirmed by the Supreme Court of Canada, our rights are equal to the rights of other citizens and visitors in Canada. This new position promotes hate in a time when too many young gay, lesbian and transgender people are being bullied into taking their lives,” said Lea.

“We must not allow these backward steps. We must remain vigilant and work toward our vision of a world in which difference is accepted and celebrated, whether it is sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression,” said May.

The post Same-sex marriage should be recognized for non-residents too appeared first on Elizabeth May.