EGALE Update: December 2001

We are pleased to provide EGALE’s Update – this is a monthly report which EGALE produces in French and English to keep our communities across Canada informed about the activities of their national organization, and the latest developments in the struggle for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered equality. Feel free to distribute the monthly report to other e-mail lists and to your friends, or to include a copy in your organization’s newsletter. Community newspapers are also welcome to reprint the update, in whole or in part, with due acknowledgment to EGALE.

To join EGALE or support us financially, just fill out the secure form at:

https://www.islandnet.com/~egale/intro/appeal.htm

The Year with EGALE: An Overview

As our 15th Anniversary draws to a close, we can look back with pride on what has been an extremely busy and productive year for EGALE.

The past year has seen continued growth and organizational development for EGALE, with numerous successful political and legal initiatives, the development of a public education and research arm to our work, and increased involvement in international activities. Issues addressed this year have included immigration, the 2001 Census, same-sex marriage, youth and education issues, transgendered rights and hate crimes.

We also moved into larger offices, saw a dramatic increase in membership and volunteer support and were delighted to be joined by additional part-time staff-members George Hartsgrove (Projects Coordinator) and Gail Hawke (Office Manager).

With continued membership support, we are looking forward to continuing to work on behalf of the community throughout the year ahead.

Justice Minister promises action on hate laws

Responding to national outrage following the brutal murder of gay Vancouver resident Aaron Webster in Stanley Park, Justice Minister Anne McLellan acknowledged on November 28, 2001 that there is “unanimous agreement” among federal, provincial and territorial Justice Ministers to add sexual orientation to federal hate propaganda laws.

Even Canadian Alliance House leader John Reynolds has said he would support the change, although he did not indicate whether that would be the position of the party as a whole. In 1994-1995, the Reform Party vigorously opposed amendments to the Criminal Code to increase sentences for gay-bashing and other hate crimes.

Minister McLellan has said that the proposed amendment is “not on the current legislative agenda”, but could be introduced next spring. EGALE is planning a lobbying campaign to ensure government action on this important issue.

Transsexual seeks support for legal challenge

Michelle Josef has been living as a woman for several years, and was half-way through the process of obtaining a series of medical interventions to legally change her sex to female, when, without explanation or warning, the Ontario government withdrew funding for sex reassignment surgery. Unable to complete the process, Michelle has started legal action against the Ontario government, seeking to have funding for sex reassignment surgery reinstated for all transsexuals.

She is arguing that the decision to cut the funding is contrary to the Canada Health Act, and that the government has violated the Charter of Rights and Freedoms by discriminating against transsexuals on the basis of their gender identity. More information can be obtained at www.LilithItsNotFair.com.

Michelle’s case will set an important precedent for transsexuals and transgendered people across Canada, but it requires community support if it is to proceed. EGALE would encourage you to send financial support to: The Michelle Josef Trust Fund c/o Sack, Goldblatt Mitchell, 20 Dundas Street West, Suite 1130, P.O. Box 180, Toronto, ON M5G 2G8. Visa donations can also be processed through EGALE, c/o 1-888-204-7777.

Anti-gay printer refuses service to Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives

EGALE is coordinating a coalition of twelve equality-seeking groups (the Equality Coalition), which is intervening in a case before the Ontario Court of Justice.

The case involves a commercial printer (Brockie and Imaging Excellence) who refused to print business cards for the Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives claiming that he finds homosexuality “detestable” and that providing service to a lesbian and gay organization would offend his religious principles.

The issues raised affect not only the lesbian, gay and bisexual communities - human rights protections generally will be undermined if service-providers can refuse service to groups they find detestable. The Equality Coalition is very grateful to counsel Susan Ursel of Green & Chercover for her tremendous work. The Brockie case was heard on December 5-7, 2001, and a decision is awaited.

EGALE creates LGBT Education Network

EGALE has recently created a national e-mail list to facilitate national networking on education and youth issues. It is important to share resources, and exchange information about the successes and failures experienced in the classroom, in counselling and in extra-curricular activities. We believe that it is important to reduce the isolation in which teachers work and students learn. Discussion of the experiences of LGBT teachers and students will help others who are struggling to make their school environment safe and welcoming.

We invite those interested in joining the Network to contact us at edunetwork@egale.ca.

PrideVision TV

EGALE is proud to be on an Advisory Committee to PrideVision TV. PrideVision is the world’s first GLBT television network to broadcast 24 hours a day.

PrideVision TV offers news and current affairs programming which will focus on issues specifically involving the LGBT communities. It also provides a perspective on issues of general interest, current events, health, fitness, relationships, music, lifestyle, personalities, cooking and travel. In its entertainment programming, PrideVision TV offers a number of popular dramas and comedies from around the world as well as existing Canadian drama programs that appeal to the LGBT communities.

As a Category 1 service, PrideVision TV is guaranteed distribution through Cable and Direct-To-Home satellite companies who provide digital TV services to their customers in Canada.

PrideVision TV was proudly launched on September 7, 2001.

To find out more about getting PrideVision in your area, visit www.PrideVisionTV.com, e-mail inquiries@PrideVisionTV.com, or phone 1-877-PRIDE-TV (toll-free).

NOTICE: Annual General Meeting

EGALE is pleased to announce our Annual General Meeting. The A.G.M. is a time for us to report on our activities for the year and for our members to elect the Board of Directors who will guide our efforts through the year ahead.

The A.G.M. will take place on Saturday, February 9 in the Champlain Room of the City of Ottawa at 111 Lisgar Street (at the corner of Lisgar and Elgin streets) from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Simultaneous translation will also be provided. Please let us know in advance if you have other needs. Voting forms will be sent to members across the country to enable everyone to participate in voting for Board members from their region.

Egale Canada ©2010

Advancing equality and justice for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans-identified people and their families across Canada