B.C. NDP MLA tables gender identity rights bill — again

Vancouver-West End NDP MLA Spencer Chandra Herbert is today introducing a bill in the provincial legislature that calls for gender identity and expression to be explicitly protected under the B.C. Human Rights Code.

• Stronger transgender rights needed, says former human rights commissioner
• B.C. Human Rights Code insufficient, says LGBTQ2 activist

Herbert said Wednesday the current code is vague when it comes to protecting people who are transgender from discrimination.

"Right now, unfortunately, there is a high degree of ignorance and that leads to hatred and violence," he said. "If you talk to transgender people they will tell you it's extremely important to bring this to law."

It's the fourth time Herbert has tried to introduce the bill, but the provincial government has said previously the code does not need to be amended. Politicians have argued the code already protects all persons, and that all individuals should be treated equally with dignity and rights.

Seven provinces have language that explicitly protects against discrimination based on gender identity or expression, but British Columbia is not one of them. 

• Alberta targets discrimination against transgender people in new bill
• Vancouver Pride Parade bars B.C. Liberals over pledge

Chandra Herbert said the code works well in the courts, but doesn't carry over well in day-to-day interactions. 

With files from the CBC's The Early Edition and Catherine Rolfsen.