By Dominic Abassi

Krog questions timing of Liberal Move on Transgender Rights

Jul 26, 2016 | 3:36 PM

Following years of pressure, the B.C. Liberals have finally moved to strengthen transgender rights.

Attorney General Suzanne Anton introduced a bill Monday that added “gender identity and expression” to the Human Rights Code. That bill passed unanimously.

However, Nanaimo NDP MLA and Attorney General Critic Leonard Krog is calling into question the timing of the move by the Liberals.

He believes optics and a looming election are reasons for the change in direction by the government, who for years have argued that the change wasn’t needed.

“We have been pushing, they’ve been refusing. Last year for instance the Premier was specifically uninvited to the Gay Pride Parade in Vancouver so I think this year maybe the political pressure has finally got to the B.C. Liberals,” said Krog.

pay and ride

Popular e-bike sharing program launching in Nanaimo

5h ago

exemption required

'Give the police the tools they need:' Provincial government again looking to ban public drug use

7h ago

24/7 support

Major supportive housing complex set to open in Nanaimo

9h ago

“With an election less than a year away, why would you alienate a small group of voters when you may be able to bring them on board?”

Krog notes the NDP has had similar legislation in the form of Private Members’ Bills snuffed out by the Liberals over the past five years.

“I don’t wish to appear too cynical, but if it’s right to do now, why wasn’t it right to do a year ago?”

Krog says the change is significant for members of the LGBQT community.

“The Human Rights Code will now specifically contain a provision relating to people that are transgendered. As opposed to expecting and believing that a court decision has implied that those rights exist, this is explicit.”

Krog says we are catching up at last with many other provinces that have had this in place.