TORONTO — Harini Sivalingam, Lawyer and Director of the Equality Program at the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) made the following statement in reaction to New Brunswick’s recent revisions to Ministry of Education Policy 713 on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity:
Policy 713 should have been strengthened – instead it has been weakened.
This policy was established to create an inclusive and safe environment for 2SLGBTQI+ students. Today’s changes will make it more dangerous to be a trans or non-binary student in New Brunswick.
There are clear changes to the policy that violate the rights and dignity of 2SLGBTQI+ youth. The revised policy is not in the best interests of children and will cause harm to trans and non-binary kids. We have seen all too often what happens when students are outed at home. Some unsupportive families have kicked their kids out of the house or resorted to physical violence. 2SLGBTQI+ youth are overrepresented in Canada’s homeless population.
The Government of New Brunswick has demonstrated that it does not endeavor to protect the rights of women to reproductive justice – and now they are dismantling rights for vulnerable children.
Make no mistake that this decision sets a dangerous precedent and that could instigate similar attempts to harm the rights of children across the country.
We urge the Government of New Brunswick to immediately rescind their changes and consult with rights organizations about ways to protect 2SLGBTQI+ youth.
The CCLA will support and take the legal measures necessary in New Brunswick to protect the rights of children.
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About the Canadian Civil Liberties Association
The CCLA is an independent, non-profit organization with supporters from across the country. Founded in 1964, the CCLA is a national human rights organization committed to defending the rights, dignity, safety, and freedoms of all people in Canada.
Media Contact:
media@ccla.org
Alex Nanoff – 613.709.6318
About the Canadian Civil Liberties Association
The CCLA is an independent, non-profit organization with supporters from across the country. Founded in 1964, the CCLA is a national human rights organization committed to defending the rights, dignity, safety, and freedoms of all people in Canada.
For the Media
For further comments, please contact us at media@ccla.org.
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