This release was issued under a previous government.
Protection from discrimination on the basis of gender identity and gender expression is specifically relevant for trans and gender variant people, as their gender identity may differ from the sex they were assigned at birth.
“Our government is committed to standing up for all Albertans. If passed, Bill 7 will empower the trans and gender variant community as they confront the stereotypes and discrimination that we know still exist. All Albertans deserve to be treated with equal dignity and respect.”
“Instead of trans Albertans seeking remedy after discrimination has occurred, including gender identity and gender expression in the Alberta Human Rights Act will help discourage such discrimination from happening in the first place. Formal affirmation of human rights is an important step towards addressing ongoing social inequalities.”
“This act of including gender identity and gender expression as prohibited grounds indicates recognition of the specific challenges the trans and gender variant community face. With this in place, it will be crystal clear that people cannot be discriminated against for their gender identity or gender expression. It’s a great day for human rights in Alberta.”
“The addition of gender identity and gender expression under the Alberta Human Rights Act would make the current protection offered under the legislation clear. These changes strengthen Alberta’s commitment to ensuring that everyone is able to fully participate in the cultural, social, economic and political life of the province, without discrimination.”
Gender identity refers to a person’s internal, individual experience of gender. Gender expression refers to the varied way in which a person expresses their gender, through a combination of dress, demeanor, social behavior and other factors.