TORONTO — Harini Sivalingam, Director of the Equality Program of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, made the following statement in reaction to Premier-elects announcement to reverse harmful changes to New Brunswick’s gender identify policies in schools:
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association welcomes the commitment by the Premier-elect of New Brunswick to reverse changes to Policy 713 that have caused significant harms to trans and gender diverse students and their families in New Brunswick.
Last year, the CCLA launched a legal challenge to the former government’s decisions to rollback human rights protections for trans and gender diverse students in schools. These decisions were unconstitutional and contrary to the Education Act. They were the product of a flawed and non-transparent process. They lacked the careful attention one would expect to see for government decision-making that affects vulnerable young people. It is important that the current government act quickly to remedy these harmful changes.
The revisions to Policy 713 implemented by the previous government were based on misinformation and bias and stigmatized 2SLGBTQIA+ students. As the Premier-elect seeks to reverse this harm, we urge her to listen to those most affected and revert back to the original policy. The original policy was a product of careful deliberation and expert guidance and intended provided a safe, inclusive and respectful learning environment for 2SLGBTQIA+ students. The former government presented no evidence of genuine concerns with the original policy from parents or educators that led to its decision to change the policy.
We look forward to working with the government to ensure that there is a positive resolution to this legal challenge and that any new Policy 713 protects the rights and freedoms of trans and gender diverse students in New Brunswick.
The CCLA will continue to fight to advance and protect the equality rights of all people in New Brunswick and Canada.
CCLA is grateful for the excellent pro bono legal services of Benjamin Perryman, Barrister and Solicitor, and Sheree Conlon of Nijhawan McMillian & Conlon Barristers in this case.
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.
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