Subject Guides: 2SLGBTQ+ Resources: Human Rights

Overview

Rights of 2SLGBTQ+ In Canada

Many countries have discriminated against same-sex sexual attraction. This discrimination has included attitudes and actions. Some countries even have laws against homosexual activity or relationships.

At one time in Canada, you could be put into prison for same-sex sexual activities. In 1969 Canada passed the law that private sexual acts between two adults was not a crime. This was a breakthrough in treating gay men, lesbians and bisexuals equally under the law. However, there was still discrimination against gay people.

In 1977, Quebec was the first province to say that no one could discriminate based on sexual orientation. Their provincial charter of human rights prohibits it. Today, every province and territory in Canada has similar statements in their charter of human rights. This protection means people who are part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community can live, work and marry in Canada with their rights protected.

Source

Government of Canada. (2018, September 10). Rights of LGBTI persons. Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/rights-lgbti-persons.html

[Video]. The fruit machine. (2018). TVO.
In filmmaker Sarah Fodey's documentary, survivors of a decades-long homosexual witch-hunt recount their personal stories of dedication and betrayal at the hands of the Canadian government. Some softened by age and sadness, others loud and angry, the voices of the former public servants targeted in the purge are now united, and determined.
*Please note that this documentary deals with content including homophobia; depression; suicide; substance abuse; and sexual violence. Viewer discretion is advised.*

Websites

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
The Charter that protects many rights and freedoms in Canadian society. It has been used a basis to change law in Canadian society for 2SLGBTQI including recognition of same-sex spouses for the same rights and benefits as common-law opposite sex couples. The 1999 Supreme Court judgement made in line the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms led to the changes in marriage equality for all in 2005.
Canada's First Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan
The Government of Canada's first action plan for the 2SLGBTQI+ communities.
Egale
Their goal is to improve the lives of LGBTQI2S people in Canada and to enhance the global response to LGBTQI2S issues
Nova Scotia Rainbow Action Project
The Nova Scotia Rainbow Action Project (NSRAP) seeks equity, justice, and human rights for 2SLGBTQIA+ people in Nova Scotia.
Overview of Human Rights Code by Province and Territory in Canada
Compiled by the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion, this guide reviews the Canadian Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms before comparing the similarities and differences in each province and territory.

Articles

As Pride flags are once again targeted, 2SLGBTQ advocates say it's as important as ever to fly them
CBC News. May 11, 2023.
Federal government asked Canadians if they’re ‘comfortable’ with LGBT people
Global News. Updated March 30, 2020.
How One Man Helped Canadian LGBTQ+ Rights Take Flight
Huffington Post. October 10, 2016.
New gay rights coin divides LGBT community — and outrages social conservativesv
CBC News. April 23, 2019.
Queers and trans say no to police presence at Pride parade
The Conversation. June 21, 2019.
Trinity Western loses fight for Christian law school as court rules limits on religious freedom 'reasonable'
CBC News. June 15, 2018.

Books

Violence against queer people: Race, class, gender, and the persistence of anti-LGBT discrimination

Exiled for love: The journey of an Iranian queer activist

Legal path dependence and the long arm of the religious state : sodomy provisions and gay rights across nations and over time

Video

[Video]. What the Gay Rights movement learned from the Civil Rights movement. (2014). Ted Talks.
As a member of both the African American and LGBT communities, filmmaker Yoruba Richen is fascinated with the overlaps and tensions between the gay rights and the civil rights movements. She explores how the two struggles intertwine and propel each other forward — and, in an unmissable argument, she dispels a myth about their points of conflict. A powerful reminder that we all have a stake in equality.