Manitoba’s Opposition leader says he is hoping for changes to a bill that would add gender expression to the province’s human rights code.
Obby Khan says he’s concerned the bill could infringe on free speech, and he wants the NDP government to amend the bill to clarify what would prompt a complaint to the human rights commission.
Get breaking National news
Justice Minister Matt Wiebe has said the change would include protections for people to be called by their preferred pronouns, and would deal with areas such as employment, housing and accessing public services.
The bill recently went before public hearings, where the head of the human rights commission said cases seen in other provinces have involved malicious and repetitive misgendering.
- Christine Fréchette claims more Quebecers are warming up to fracking
- Opposition ‘politicking’ on Weedmark private flights unless evidence exists, says policy expert
- Canada took the trade war to Trump’s backyard. Americans didn’t care
- Judge temporarily halts Kelowna’s expropriation plans for Hotel Eldorado boardwalk
The bill is expected to be passed into law this spring, given the NDP majority in the legislature, and would bring Manitoba in line with most other provinces.
Khan was asked whether he will allow his Tory caucus members a free vote on the bill, and said he plans to do so on all matters of conscience.
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.