Justice and Public Safety
May 15, 2015

The following is being distributed at the request of the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission:

Human Rights Commission Recognizes the 2015 International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia

The International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia, marked annually on May 17, 2015, aims to coordinate events to garner respect and support for the rights of lesbians, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) individuals worldwide. The Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission joins the LGBTQ community and allies in marking this important day in the province.

This year, the campaign highlights the crucial role of allies in the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people. An ally is generally a heterosexual person who supports people of different sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions, to help contribute to their well-being and to foster inclusion in the community. Allies can also include LGBTQ people who support one another. One commonality is that allies advocate for social justice and the well-being of LGBTQ people.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission provides protection from discrimination and promotes fair and inclusive treatment of all individuals in employment and in the provision of goods, services, accommodations, facilities and tenancy. The Commission has developed guidelines regarding gender identity and gender expression which can be viewed on the Human Rights Commission website at: //www.justice.gov.nl.ca/hrc/publications/transgender_guidelines.pdf

�Trans individuals are among the most vulnerable populations in the province as they face multiple barriers and stigma because of how their gender identity is perceived. These barriers come in different forms, including outdated policies and laws, prejudice from employers and communities, and stigma from family and friends, all of which makes social integration difficult for trans individuals,� said Remzi Cej, Chair of the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission.

In December 2013, the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Act was amended to include the grounds of gender identity and gender expression, in order to prevent discrimination against trans individuals in the province. Since that time, the Commission has been active in recommending that municipal and provincial legislation, policy, and guidelines be updated to reflect the changes in the province�s Human Rights Act.

�The amendment to the Human Rights Act was a positive step in the right direction, but it must be followed by the harmonization of other laws and policies that have an impact on the dignity and rights of trans individuals in Newfoundland and Labrador. The Commission recommends that laws and policies affecting trans individuals in the province be harmonized with the updated Human Rights Act. In anticipation of Government departments and agencies reflecting this change, we will continue to meet with individual departments and agencies to recommend specific changes and to convey the importance of harmonizing policies and legislation with the Human Rights Act,� said Mr. Cej.

The Commission supports actions of allies which could include:

  • Creating a welcoming, safe space for LGBTQ people in the school or workplace;
  • Encouraging school administrators or workplace managers to adopt measures that are inclusive of LGBTQ people;
  • Posting materials or using social media to educate people about LGBTQ realities and that aim at preventing homophobia and transphobia;
  • Being a role model by encouraging inclusive behavior and encouraging others to do the same.

The Commission leads public education efforts in the community on a range of human rights topics, including workplace accommodation, and the Human Rights Act. Employers, communities, and organizations are encouraged to contact the Commission for more information.

For more information on the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission, please visit: www.thinkhumanrights.ca external link.

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Media contact:
Carey Majid, LLB
Executive Director
709-729-2709
careymajid@gov.nl.ca

2015 05 15                              3:15 p.m.