Photo by Whitehorse Star
Health and Social Services Minister Pauline Frost
Discrimination against gender identity now banned
It’s now illegal to discriminate against a person on the grounds of gender identity and gender expression in the Yukon.
It’s now illegal to discriminate against a person on the grounds of gender identity and gender expression in the Yukon.
Amendments to the Human Rights Act, which ban such discrimination, and to the Vital Statistics Act were granted assent Wednesday after they were passed by the legislature.
The changes to the Vital Statistics Act remove the requirement for sex reassignment surgery before a person can change the sex on birth registration.
As of Wednesday, Yukoners were able to change the sex on their birth registration to correspond with their chosen gender identity.
Within the next year, regulatory changes will come into effect that will allow Yukoners to obtain birth certificates with a gender-neutral marker.
“I’m very proud to be able to say that transgender Yukoners now have the same rights and protections under these acts as the rest of their fellow citizens,” said Health and Social Services Minister Pauline Frost.
“We support a person’s right to self-determination of their gender identity. The amendments are part of our government’s commitment to support inclusiveness, equality and a respect for diversity in Yukon.”
“Today, Yukon joins the rest of Canada in modernizing our laws to explicitly protect trans and gender-non-conforming individuals from discrimination,” added Justice Minister Tracy-Anne McPhee.
“Legislation that protects people from racial, sexual or religious discrimination has been in place for many years; now all Yukoners are free to be who they are and know that their legal right to do so is protected.”
Gender identity is our internal and individual experience of gender, the government said in the statement.
“It is our sense of being a woman, a man, both, neither, or anywhere along the gender spectrum. A person’s gender identity may be the same as, or different from, their birth-assigned sex.”
Gender expression is how a person publicly presents their gender, the government said.
This can include behaviour and outward appearance such as dress, hair, makeup, body language and voice.
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Comments (28)
Up 18 Down 2
ProScience Greenie on Jun 19, 2017 at 1:09 pm
Sorry Yukoner81 but I'm solidly agnostic (non-believer, heathen, infidel, barbarian) so I am not defending any religion. Just pointing out that today's progressives seem to more and more turn a blind eye to some religions and not others. That to me is unacceptable, especially so as in many areas of the world where these religions dominate, being LGBTQ is a death sentence.
For sure the intolerant Religious Right is dangerous. They are still and have been my enemy for a long time. What has changed recently is that a movement within the Left has developed, that is just as intolerant and dangerous that essentially doubles the workload to preserve secular and egalitarian values in government and our own personal lives.
Also, and I think you will agree, not every conservative is a member of the religious right nor is every liberal part of the progressive camp.
I also think that many in the progressive camp should cool their jets for a bit and understand that by seeing so many conservatives admit that they no longer give a damn about a person being gay or gay marriage that a victory of sorts has been won. I hope you can see that that is a good thing.
Up 5 Down 3
Yukoner81 on Jun 18, 2017 at 7:20 pm
Tater, most people want to be known as normal and no one is preventing that. All the power to you. Way to go big guy!
Up 4 Down 24
Yukoner81 on Jun 18, 2017 at 7:13 pm
@PSG Yes of course I oppose any religion trying to use its belief system to trump other's basic rights. Is there any particular religion you are trying to defend here? I'm guessing one of the Abrahamic Ones....IE the 'usual suspects'.
Josey you make a good point, albeit for the opposite side. The fascists were the ones telling you that certain groups of people were worth more than others. This is exactly what Conservative sycophants are telling us right now..."these LGBTQ people are not normal and are trying to enforce their will upon us. Good conservative foot soldiers must oppose this". This attitude, when taken to the extreme (as you pointed out) results in people being forced to wear markers (pink triangles during WW2) and put into camps. So perhaps you should think twice before trying to tar the Liberals with your ridiculous 1939 comparison. Also, which 'centuries of science' have been cancelled out? Just curious what you have to support that well thought out statement.
Up 37 Down 2
Just an opinion on Jun 17, 2017 at 8:50 pm
For some reason I feel like there may be loop holes here for criminals. If a witness states that they saw sex _ 5'9" commit a crime, when the cops pick up the suspect and the gender doesn't match the discription there would be a lot of screaming about discrimination and not a lot will happen. BTW isn't your government issued identification supposed to be a physical identifier for the most part? Maybe they should add what chromosome you are to gov ID because science don't lie, people do.
Up 22 Down 4
Tater on Jun 17, 2017 at 4:08 pm
Yukonner 81, I only use this name , no others.
And I really don't care what these people call themselves or identify. Like I said I just want to be called normal.
Up 10 Down 3
ProScience Greenie on Jun 17, 2017 at 2:17 pm
egalitarian - relating to or believing in the principle that all people are equal and deserve equal rights and opportunities. It is sad Groucho that such a simple concept that most of us believe in and practice causes us to be shamed by the SJW crowd and is still not accepted by the alt-right. Glad you get it.
So Yukoner81, do you fight against all religions on this planet that preach intolerance or just one particular religion? One of the reasons many are parting ways with the SJW / progressive movement is the selective tolerance of intolerance and the drift away from secularism and egalitarianism.
Up 18 Down 6
Josey Wales on Jun 17, 2017 at 11:47 am
Hey northern me...I get the point you attempt to make.
If I may? Did you have relations in Poland say prior to September 1939?
Seems a whole lotta folks there could not be bothered either as fascists proliferated in their lands. Once the ovens cooled down folks however realized just how deadly an indoctrination can and often is.
Seems it still effects folks never thought ever "could be" effected by zealots.
Radical zealots are in the sanitized news daily, acting as petulant wee brats tossing fuel onto a fire few have interest in extinguishing....till it arrives at their door.
We have a team of liberal sycophants in our hall demanding we eat their s**t, this is but another example of pandering at the expense of everyone.
Oh yeah and today so far I identify as a person of colour at time of posting so any hate (a.k.a. criticism or dissenting opinions) projected at me I will deem a hate crime.
Gee how empowering , who knew that liberal ideology could upset and cancel centuries of science and reasoning with just a mere whim?
I hope the liberals could do a few things on gravity, things seem heavier as I age...King Dan, Fuehrer Sandy could you start on that?
I find 9.8m/sec squared very, very oppressive and patriarchal.
Up 45 Down 7
Groucho d'North on Jun 17, 2017 at 9:11 am
"We're all the same! Equality for all! Don't discriminate!" We hear it all the time from a variety of sources, yet there are so many exceptions being introduced in our society based on gender identification - by one's self and others, economic status, language and religion, sexual orientation, political ideology and even vegan or meat-eating viewpoints. It now seems the cheer should be: "We're all the same- except for me because of __________, so I need some special consideration that everybody has to pay attention to or I will consider it a violation of how I interpret my rights!"
I'd like to see things going back to "We are all equal" PERIOD - no exceptions. But then how would the politicians appeal to the popular interests to capture their votes? There is no political profit in all of us being equal.
Up 14 Down 14
Northern_Me on Jun 17, 2017 at 12:46 am
When these types of situations arise, you all need to ask yourselves just one simple question, How does this affect me, or my family?
If it doesn't, move on! No harm no foul!
There are way more serious things that government has or hasn't done that we could be discussing!
Up 28 Down 11
jc on Jun 16, 2017 at 7:37 pm
Just the Liberals doing their normal thing. It makes them actually believe they are doing something useful.
Up 8 Down 39
Yukoner81 on Jun 16, 2017 at 5:51 pm
This is good news, it doesn't cost society anything, and allows everyone their dignity despite their gender.
Of course the Yukon Party aka the Reform Party aka the religious right, voted against this basic human dignity due to their 18th century religious beliefs. It's no wonder decent Yukoners voted out this old party of dinosaurs!
To Josey, Kraka, Karl, Roger, tater..... I'm guessing you are probably the same person posting under different names. Yukon simply doesn't have that many hateful people..... 50% of the comments? I highly doubt it.
Unless you are an LGBTQ person how in the heck do you know this is isn't important? What you are saying is that it isn't important TO YOU. Who are you to decide what matters to people?
Up 55 Down 10
Jeff on Jun 16, 2017 at 3:43 pm
I think every man in the Yukon should show up on Monday to identify as 'women'. Then maybe people would see how ridiculous this all is.
Up 23 Down 5
ProScience Greenie on Jun 16, 2017 at 2:43 pm
And they believe rightly; for I have sworn upon the altar of god, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man. - Thomas Jefferson, in a letter to Dr. Benjamin Rush, September 23, 1800
----
217 years later these words ring true but with the tyranny today coming equally from both the SJW progressives and the alt-right'ers at home and abroad. Somewhere in the middle is where one might find common sense, decency, the truth and wise policy.
So if you are an adult, have at your gender of choice and your consensual bedroom activities which are your own business much like what is in our greenhouses, medicine or long gun cabinets etc etc. No business of others or the government. Keeping it out of most people's faces and pocketbooks would be much appreciated.
Up next? Perhaps the 'cultural spectrum'. That's a tough one as we are becoming a more blended society by culture and DNA. Those that would put us in cultural cages or forbid mixed race/culture unions are going to have a hard time with this as will those having a racist nature. Both two sides of the same ugly coin sometimes. Anyways, grab some popcorn for the next round of tribalistic and authoritarian nonsense between the far left and far right snowflakes.
OJW - that term will never be used in your direction. Carry on.
Up 45 Down 7
Tater on Jun 16, 2017 at 1:58 pm
Ok, then I don't want to be called "straight" I want to be called "normal".
Up 44 Down 6
Roger on Jun 16, 2017 at 10:16 am
What if I don't know what I identify as yet? Can we leave it blank? Write in TBA.
True story...a lady in the states has actually identified as a hippo. I promise I am not making that up.
Up 11 Down 49
Terri Szabo on Jun 15, 2017 at 11:24 pm
@Just Saying
I find your comment which states: "When can I legally change my ethnicity because I feel I am an indigenous person?" to be very stereotypical and racist. In the past, it was the law that when a First Nation's Woman married a Caucasian Male they lost their status as a FN. Bill C31 was passed in the 80's and this is no longer an issue but, before Bill C31, this gender biased law forced others to become something they were not, so this is no JOKE. Further, being forced to be someone else is not a FEELING but the oppression of a person and or a certain race. There is lots of information on this subject if you wish to educate yourself. Also if you feel the need to ridicule others, please post your real name when you make a comment, the Yukon is a very small place.
Up 43 Down 7
I discriminate on Jun 15, 2017 at 8:21 pm
Everyone discriminates, it's human nature. It sets us apart from other animals. We don't just operate on instinct. Discrimination guides our choices every day to decide what course of action we choose to take.
Discrimination is a basic human right. I am free to choose who I associate with or offer my services to, and I don't have to tell anyone why. I am free to employ who I want, and I don't have to tell anyone why. A polite 'no thank you' is sufficient. People will learn that saying anything more will only cause them trouble. Likewise everyone is free to choose not to use my services, and they don't have to tell me why.
Discrimination is embodied in freedom of expression, and that's a right that every Canadian enjoys. I don't tolerate anyone trying to direct my life, even if they think they know what's best for me. They don't have that right.
Up 50 Down 11
It's Larry on Jun 15, 2017 at 8:12 pm
What a ridiculous waste of time - maybe I'll become non-gender!! Didn't we have to change our driver's licenses because the old ones did not have our gender on them, therefore could not be used even at the airport to board a plane. What will happen if I change my gender but still appear at the airport with beard, etc.?? Can I still board my plane??
Our government wastes so much time and energy on dumb things - let people be whomever they want to be but why to we need legislation about it. No, no, no!!
Up 47 Down 7
Karl on Jun 15, 2017 at 7:06 pm
Like the Carbon Tax, this is more Liberal virtue signalling that provides little public benefit.
Up 43 Down 7
Duh on Jun 15, 2017 at 7:01 pm
Glad to see our hard earned tax dollars hard at work. It's pretty simple, humanity is based on very basic principles, boy meets girl, they each do their own thing and we create the next generation, nothing complicated, not a whole lot of options.
Up 31 Down 7
Josey Wales on Jun 15, 2017 at 6:36 pm
Hey PSG...that depends very much on who you are with what you can say to people.
Example if you are an acting city manager you can call the mere peasants whatever you please, as there will be zero for accountability.
Recently got an email from the latest untouchable warming that chair, change one mere word to fag, bulldike....and he would have to fire yet another trough feeding blowhole....the community would be calling for blood, CBC would make a mini series, BBC would too.
Seems our skid marks made the news cycle across the country.
Funny the outside media made no mention of our many unsolved homicides....all about the SJW PC Crusade...by design.
So yeah...if you direct your terms to a deplorable, a peasant citizen, a straight white male, a Christian.....or me.....I guess you can.
Up 42 Down 10
Kraka on Jun 15, 2017 at 5:39 pm
Be careful what you wish for because it just may come true! By the way the US Border guards demand that you have identified as a male or female so this "other" BS will not fly going to Skagway for the weekend. At least the US has something going for them.
Up 39 Down 10
jc on Jun 15, 2017 at 5:15 pm
How about media discriminating against freedom of speech, which is what the Star did to me by not printing my comment. I'm beginning to understand the New World Order now - If you're not a left wing liberal, you get shut out. The reality of 1984 is a bit late, but coming as described. Whitehorse and Yukon needs another newspaper - right wing to balance opinions.
Up 72 Down 12
Nile on Jun 15, 2017 at 3:54 pm
Not that I care what someone decides to label themselves as, but was this really necessary?
Up 70 Down 19
Just Sayin' on Jun 15, 2017 at 3:34 pm
When can I legally change my ethnicity because I feel I am an indigenous person?
If one change their gender, one should be allowed to change their ethnicity, age, birth date and et al. to what they feel. All I have to do is take it to the human rights board; done and done! I am going to be a 65 year old (here comes my pension) with double d's because that makes me feel good about myself!!!
Thanks YTG for opening up Pandora's box.
Up 60 Down 5
ProScience Greenie on Jun 15, 2017 at 3:17 pm
Can we still call someone an a-hole if they are one? If so, all is good.
Up 27 Down 1
Why does the Yukon Government on Jun 15, 2017 at 3:04 pm
not stop prejudice dis discrimination against Yukon Government employees by some senior management????
Up 71 Down 13
Josey Wales on Jun 15, 2017 at 2:54 pm
Awesome...I often identify as an attack helicopter.
This week a dragon slayer, next week who knows...it is all so fluid.