wfn.org | UCCAN Response to Canadian Human Rights legislation

[KAREN_WALKER.parti@ecunet.org]

Monday, April 29, 1996
The United Church of Canada
Mary-Frances Denis, Publicist
(416) 231-5931
c/o email: karen_walker.parti@ecunet.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, April 29,1996

UNITED CHURCH WELCOMES CHANGE TO
CANADIAN HUMAN RIGHTS ACT

Toronto: Marion Best, the Moderator of Canada's largest 
Protestant denomination, The United Church of Canada, expressed 
deep satisfaction today as legislation was introduced in Parliament 
to protect the human rights of gays and lesbians.

Best was commenting in response to news of the introduction of a 
bill in the House of Commons amending the Canadian Human 
Rights Act to include "sexual orientation" as an express, prohibited 
ground of discrimination.  

"The introduction of this bill is long overdue," says Best.  "Federal 
governments have made commitments to act since at least 1985 and 
the United Church has publicly advocated for such a measure since 
1977."

Commenting on the legislation, Best said, "This measure is more 
than symbolic.  It will provide direction to those who have 
responsibility for ensuring that all Canadians understand and 
consistently respect their gay and lesbian neighbours."

In response to critics who argue that amending the Canadian 
Human Rights Act in this way will give special rights to some and 
not to others, Best said, "The protection from discrimination of an 
identifiable group in society, whom we know have suffered as the 
result of prejudice, does not confer special rights.  What it does do 
is acknowledge that some people's rights are being ignored with 
very sorry consequences."

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Human Rights Act ......../2

"We believe that Canadian society can do better, and this legislation 
will help us do better," says Best.

Moderator Best also congratulated Justice Minister Alan Rock for 
his courage in taking this long-promised step.  "We applaud the 
minister's commitment to having this legislation introduced, despite 
the criticism he is likely to face from those who disagree with his 
position," says Best.

For further information, please contact:
Mary-Frances Denis
Manager of Public Relations & Information
416-231-7680  ext. 4033    (business)
416-960-8836               (residence)

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Karen Walker
G.C. Division of Communication,  UCCAN
email:  karen_walker.parti@ecunet.org