This article was last updated on April 16, 2022
Canada: 
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A bill aimed at making it illegal to discriminate against transgender Canadians was recently passed by the House of Commons on Wednesday. The bill presented by the opposition private members formed legislation and passed by a vote of 149-137, including the vital support of 18 Conservatives and also four cabinet ministers.
It is one of the very first such initiatives that are testing the Conservative caucus’ resolve on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights in Canada, especially at a time when Foreign Affairs Minister, John Baird, had been promoting a strong defence of such rights abroad. Among those Conservatives, who critically supported the bill were Mr. Baird, Finance Minister, Jim Flaherty, Labour Minister, Lisa Raitt and Heritage Minister, James Moore. Whereas, on the other hand, Prime Minister Stephen Harper, a majority of his front bench and backbenchers opposed it. Meanwhile, all opposition parties seemed unified in their support for the bill, which was sponsored by New Democrat Randall Garrison.
Mr. Garrison mentioned in a press statement after the vote, that “today, New Democrats are proud to have contributed to ensuring equal protection under the law from discrimination and hatred based on gender identity.” He added that “transgender and transsexual citizens are among the most marginalized and are too often victims of harassment and acts of violence.” After being passed at the second reading, as it had support of only 15 Tories while remaining nine abstained from voting, the bill’s momentum seemed to hesitate at a point when Conservatives questioned its impact and effectiveness.
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