Canada announces ban on transgender discrimination

While I applaud this, I have to ask where the line gets drawn. If a male student who identifies as female want to use the female locker room and bathroom, do their rights trump those of the female students who will feel uncomfortable having someone with male parts in their locker room? If someone has had reassignment surgery, no worries but someone like Caitlyn Jenner, who lives as a female but is still physically male, wants to scream discrimination while ignoring the fact that some women are uncomfortable sharing a changing room with someone who is physically male, who wins?

Canada's justice minister looks like one cool cat!

So in Canada I can now join women in the dressing room and sports teams if I just declare that I feel female today? Our societies are going mad.

While I applaud this, I have to ask where the line gets drawn.

Exactly. I am against discrimination, but this is getting out of hand.

I guess the plan is to do away with male and female toilets (so last millenium), refurbish them all as unisex, putting all urinals into cubicles just like we have with toilets.

Just have cubicles everywhere that anyone gets naked. Japan should do the same with all its onsens.

So in Canada I can now join women in the dressing room and sports teams if I just declare that I feel female today? Our societies are going mad.

Seems to be pretty much it. I've noticed a lot of backlash against anyone who dares to question this - homophobic (though so not the correct word and I still don't get how this is lumped in with gay, lesbian and bi folks), anti-transgender (since when did asking questions make anyone anti whatever?) and on and on. People have been posting memes about "If you're scared about a transgender male in your daughter's bathroom, what about your son?" which misses the point totally. I shudder to think about what would happen here in Japan is such a law was put in place. Lord knows the pervs most certainly WOULD use this. Which is very unfair to those transgenders who really don't identify with their parts and get lumped in with. I'm all for folks using the handicapped toilets and lord, the backlash on that comment...

Lord knows the pervs most certainly WOULD use this.

Yeah, that issue doesn't seem to have been addressed. You'd think in helping out one group of people you wouldn't do it at the expense of another group of people.

This whole thing needs to be thought through more carefully, methinks. I didn't even know what a transgender person was until the other day (excuse my ignorance).

I'd rather governments were doing much more to fix their economies to the benefit of everyone, than come out with these well-meaning but flawed measures in relation to minorities. It's a shame that people pointing that out would face a backlash, rather than those dishing out the backlash spending their efforts to devise better solutions.

As Japan-dwellers know, real men pee outside in full view of everyone.

Anyone else can use the toilets.

There will likely be people who abuse this, and there will be other who are uncomfortable about it, but I'm quite sure they will address issues like perverts faking transgender and women or men who are uncomfortable with someone of the opposite sex (physically) but who identifies with them in their change rooms. I'm guessing that it will start with toilet stalls -- where you won't see the 'parts', and then they'll figure out what to do with change rooms. Anyway, it's a work in progress, and so long as there is progress and not flat out discrimination, I think the system is working.

That's not a picture of Canada's Justice minister but of an LGBT activist. not sure why wed have to define all these types of "hate crime and speech". any kind of offensive or discriminatory behavior should be treated alike, no?

I love Canada. Sometimes I wonder if they do what they do just to make America look stupid.

Why are people conveniently focusing on locker room stuff? It seems that Trudeau's n1 priority is to " protect transgender people from hate speech and discrimination". What's wrong with that? Its now illegal to scream 'you f*ing trans', to bash trans just cause they are well, trans or to not hire them cause of their identity. That's what this law is for.

Sure I get that parents dont want their 8yo daughter to see a trans shlong at the swimming pool locker rooms but how likely it is to happen? Less than the same 8yo to be 'confronted' by a priest, teacher, swimming coach etc. Pervs are everywhere, dont think we should keep on discriminating against trans cause some pervs may take advantage of a new law aiming at protecting the former.

smithjapan:

" like perverts faking transgender "

...and you distinguish a faked transgender from a genuine transgender, how exactly? If I declare to you that from now on I am transgender, you want to prove me wrong how? And discriminate against me in the process, according to the new Canadian law?

Afaic, you are creating a royal mess if you want to start implementing gender policy based on how people "feel" at any moment.

Maybe it's because I'm a woman, but I don't understand the whole bathroom issue. That's what stalls are for. Are you really telling me that the sight of a pair of feet under a stall's door will drive someone so out of their mind they'll pounce the door open and molest you? Because I'm pretty sure if someone is intent on molesting you and follows you into the bathroom with that purpose, the little pink/blue plaque on the outside would have never been (and has never been) a deterrent.

I also don't understand what the issue is stalls can be used by anyone. And agree with Maria M.

Remember the 1st time I used a JR Toilet here and next thing there is this little lady cleaning the uurinal right next to me. As I said Umisex toilets make some of the waiting queues shorter.

Actually mixed might be safer too. BTW, I trained at a gym with a transgender person, very nice lady but still masculine after the OP.

As for which toilet a person should use how about using their registered sex and not their birth sex.

Final thought transgender people gave up their ability to reproduce.

This is bad all the way. What's next? This shouldn't even be an issue! It's quite simple, if you are born anatomically a man, you use the men's restrooms, you don't use the women's and vice versa, plain and simple, the same goes for school showers and locker rooms. Liberals have completely and utterly lost their minds with this! I have No problem if a transgender goes through the complete process and becomes a woman, fine! But if not, use the restroom that is assigned to your birth sex. Why should ANY woman be forced to use the shower with another man or be naked in his presence just because he feels like a she? We are only hearing one side of the story. There are no stories on JT over people in the Staes or Canada that are vehemently against this. Libs are trying to make a case that this is widely accepted and nothing could be further from the truth. Most parents, fathers in particular that have girls will mostly be against this stupid and insane bill.

...and you distinguish a faked transgender from a genuine transgender, how exactly?

Doctor's diagnosis. Most countries that have gender reassignment surgery require approval from a doctor before doing it.

From Kindergarden Cop:

"Boys have a penis, girls have a vagina." Arnie - "Thanks for the tip!"

Useful dialogue.

@Maria M,

Your point isnt very logical. If I walked into a bathroom in my usual attire as a man it would be much more noticeable, would also show up on a security camera more clearly. Now dress me up and lets see the confusion.

@goldorack,

>Why are people conveniently focusing on locker room stuff? It seems that Trudeau's n1 priority is to " protect transgender people from hate speech and discrimination". What's wrong with that? Its now illegal to scream 'you fing trans', to bash trans just cause they are well, trans or to not hire them cause of their identity. That's what this law is for.*

It is however totally fine to scream You f*ing racist white man at any time though right?

"Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia."

If only we had Corruptionphobia and EmptySuitphobia...

goldorak:

" It seems that Trudeau's n1 priority is to " protect transgender people from hate speech and discrimination". What's wrong with that? Its now illegal to scream 'you f*ing trans', "

So screaming "you fing cys" is OK? Either you you make screaming "you fing" anything illegal, or not. Why the special privilege?

" to bash trans just cause they are well, trans or to not hire them cause of their identity. That's what this law is for. "

Again, is bashing other people`s cars OK? Or not? Either bashing cars is legal, or it is illegal. Why the special legislation?

" Sure I get that parents dont want their 8yo daughter to see a trans shlong at the swimming pool locker rooms but how likely it is to happen? Less than the same 8yo to be 'confronted' by a priest, teacher, swimming coach etc. "

If by "confronted" you mean being molested, that is illegal. What Trudeau wants to do is make the shlongs in the girls locker room legal.

it is however totally fine to scream You f*ing racist white man at any time though right?

@pov, huh? Not at all mate, i think (and hope) you completely misread my post. My point is good on Trudeau for trying to protect everyone from all type of abuse and that includes, now, transexuals. And I say nothing wrong with that. Thats imo a great initiative and I dont get why ppl want to focus on the one improbable scenario where 'fake' trans can disrupt our lives I.e in bathrooms.

TRANSGENDERS have a mental disability. Either that or you are admitting that reincarnation is a thing. This is a psychological issue and should not be encouraged. By progressively encourage someone who has mental issues WILL PROMOTE suicidal tendencies. These people are vulnerable and require therapy as to why they are disassociated with their NATURAL GENDER.

This is only a problem to 0.3% of the population which has been originally promoted by the Obama office. Young children would have never even questioned their own gender until this was forced upon the 99%+ majority.

Willi B, as the article says this new law will 'add' transgender issues to whats already in place, not replace anything. Your 'why them and not us !?' Is childish and incorrect.

**It will add “gender identity” alongside race, religion, age, sex and sexual orientation as prohibited grounds for discrimination under the Canadian Human Rights Act, and add transgender persons to a list of groups protected from hate-mongering under the Criminal Code

By confronted I meant 'shocked' or disturbed by what they would have potentially seen, I.e a trans penis.

WilliB: "...and you distinguish a faked transgender from a genuine transgender, how exactly?"

I have no doubt that in some cases you might not know, but in some it would be pretty obvious based on how certain body parts react. You think you can tell regular perverts walking around every day? No. You catch them in some act and then you know.

Instead, you would rather just have flat out discrimination because there MIGHT be a pervert that gets away with sneaking a peak at the gender he wants to look at. Shame on you.

"Again, is bashing other people`s cars OK?"

Ah, so you akin being transgender to being a crime, then. Well done. No surprise Canada is always making the US in particular look so utterly stupid with the letters discriminatory laws and practices, and the way it seems to want to step back into the stone age.

goldorak:

" **It will add “gender identity” alongside race, religion, age, sex and sexual orientation as prohibited grounds for discrimination under the Canadian Human Rights Act, and add transgender persons to a list of groups protected from hate-mongering under the Criminal Code "

And you do not see that the new "trans" addition invalidates the existing "sex" part is? Because if "sex" now becomes whatever one one feels like at any given moment, it means nothing anymore.

" By confronted I meant 'shocked' or disturbed by what they would have potentially seen, I.e a trans penis. "

And a trans penis looks different from a non-trans penis how exactly? If walk into your daugthers locker room, is that OK or not OK? Or does it depend on if I feel male or female, regardless of what my body looks like?

Can you explain how this is supposed to work?

From what I understand, transgender people feel morally superior to cisgenders, and can be abusive towards them. Maybe we will also need a law to protect cisgenders.

If Canadians can realize what a hornets nest this will create, good on them for realizing that this is just bad legislation all around and opposition to this is growing in the states as well.

http://www.familyaction.ca/stop-279/

And a trans penis looks different from a non-trans penis how exactly? If walk into your daugthers locker room, is that OK or not OK? Or does it depend on if I feel male or female, regardless of what my body looks like?

Can you explain how this is supposed to work?

WilliB, haha ok will try. I think you are assuming that all trans are fake (hetero males disguised as women), and/or pervs, and/or exhibitionists. From the small sample of trans I have seen in my life, I think most of them have confidence issues and arent 'out there' trying to show their bodies to strangers. So those ppl are imo not an issue.

Again i think Trudeau and this article are about not abusing/discriminating against transexuals. I dont want to cornered towards the one point thats not clear yet: can non fully operated trans share locker rooms with non adults? I dont know.

One thing i know though, from what I am seeing on this thread, Trudeau and co will have to clarify who trans are as it seems many on here think a bloke wearing a skirt could pass for a woman. Imo trans, fully operated or not, should be known and in a way 'registered', at least by their doctor. Anyone unable to prove he/she has started the physical transition is still identifiable by his/her gender at birth.

Noticed that as well that there seems to be a mixup with transgender and transvestites/cross-dressers.

Transgender can be either a male or female having had the OP and hormone treatments.

WilliBMAY. 17, 2016 - 12:10PM JST So in Canada I can now join women in the dressing room and sports teams if I just declare that I feel female today?

Anyone who thinks this is as simple as just declaring you feel feminine "today" is so uninformed about the nature of Gender Dysphoria that they probably just shouldn't bother trying to discuss the issue. You may as well be decrying all those people who get given disability insurance as a paraplegic because they "feel a bit stiff today".

Canada does seem to be leading the way on this issue.

Maybe the lack of fundamentalist Christians in Canada means they can legislate effectively rather than being anchored to two thousand year-old orthodoxy.

goldorak:

" WilliB, haha ok will try. I think you are assuming that all trans are fake (hetero males disguised as women), and/or pervs, and/or exhibitionists. From the small sample of trans I have seen in my life, I think most of them have confidence issues and arent 'out there' trying to show their bodies to strangers. So those ppl are imo not an issue. "

I am not "assuming" anything, I addressing the inherent logical flaw in the concept that gender is now determined by feeling. And the bizarre consequences of it. A better solution for that case would be to simply abandon gender separation right off the bat, and make all toilets and locker rooms completely co-ed, the way Japanese kon-yu used to be. .

" Trudeau and co will have to clarify who trans are as it seems many on here think a bloke wearing a skirt could pass for a woman. Imo trans, fully operated or not, should be known and in a way 'registered', at least by their doctor. Anyone unable to prove he/she has started the physical transition is still identifiable by his/her gender at birth. "

If you are talking about people who have undergone the the complete medical procedure with hormone treatment and live their life as the opposite sex, that has never been an issue. No special legislation would required for those. That would simply be no ask no tell.

After reading all the hysteria in the US about transgenders, the Canadian stance is a breath of fresh air. The fact that it is freaking out all the non-Canadians who are in a frenzy about this is just an added bonus.

Lets all remember that Canada arrested a man for a tweet that disagreed with a feminist. He was in court for 3 years and had an internet ban for 3 years before he was found not guilty. Hate speech sounds like a nice principle but it is a loaded gun pointed at anyone who disagrees with the status quo. Protection of all speech is the only good path to take, Canada has this one wrong

I don't remember this. Supporting evidence please.

What a lot a pooh the religious bigots are responsible for. All of a sudden they think this anti-trans battle will save their families from assured destruction. Homosexual men and women have been looking at straight folks' body and even their junk for thousands of years and probably been getting excited by it but we don't ban gay folk from locker rooms. Trans people have been entering the "wrong" gender toilets for hundreds of year and oh guess what, they all sit down to pee and no one knows any different. These extreme hypothetical cases written about by some people above just don't happen cause 99% of people just want to use the toilet for it's intended function. Storm in a teacup designed to fire up the Republican base cause if they don't their fragile grip on any semblance of power will well and truly be gone. Well done Canada but this wasn't necessary at all if the bigots in the US grew up and stopped the hate. First it was blacks, next it was homosexuals and as each time they lost the battle they search out another minority to pick on. Christian soldiers need to actually fight their battles by living like Jesus prescribed not being so hateful.

A better solution for that case would be to simply abandon gender separation right off the bat, and make all toilets and locker rooms completely co-ed, the way Japanese kon-yu used to be. .

I agree. abandoning gender and race seperation and identification is the way of a more positive future.

Considering how society still looks down on people whose sexual identity doesn't match their gender, I do not think this is going to be a major problem. People seem to be vastly overestimating the number of sex offenders/perverts who are going to mascarade in this manner.

backscratcher:

" I agree. abandoning gender and race seperation and identification is the way of a more positive future. "

OK, fair enough. Make everything mixed them.

Ironically, this new transgender law happens in a country that has increasingly giving in to demands by muslim groups to introduce women-only hours. To the degree that even a girls dad was banned from the using the swimming pool see here:

http://moralcompassblog.com/2013/04/09/toronto-pools-ban-dads-after-muslims-demands/

I am really curious where Trudeau will come down on this one. Will it be OK use the women-only pool if you feel transgendered? I would love to be a fly on the wall for the discussion about that.

Won't be long before we'll need legislation to prevent discrimination against heterosexuals!

Transgender privileges are so 2015, it's 2016 for gods sake! Like, DUH! (Trudeau-style reasoning)

Initially all embryos are female, male organs develop later.

There is also a condition where a kid can be female till about 8-10 and than the male organs start to appear/develop. Common in some locations.

Many colleges and universities have a third washroom with male/female logo. It's a single room so it's small and handles the issues of comfort. I think that will be more common as the years go by

By comparison gays in the military was a line note in newspapers and met with a Canadian shrug, but in the USA it has been a ragging controversy, so it's not a wonder that they will have problems with this. That's fine. We're not the USA. Deal with it

This law is meant to stop things that only happens in people's imagination, and in the process will cause hell for people who look like the opposite sex.

Is Japan the only country not upset about the existence of transgenders? They can even become rich and famous, like singers Mikawa Kenji and Miwa Akihiro (the one with the yellow hair). There are many other talents etc too. Japan has never been Christianized, so I guess that makes a difference.

wipeout:

" Evidently it's a little more complicated than your imagination has encompassed. No one is born anatomically a man. "

Oh really? I suppose you have never seen a newborn. And also there is this little concept of DNA... never heard of XY and XX?

Evidently it's a little more complicated than your imagination has encompassed. No one is born anatomically a man.

You know what I meant. Meaning, as long as you have male parts that define you unmistakably as a male, then you should use the men's restroom.

This law is meant to stop things that only happens in people's imagination, and in the process will cause hell for people who look like the opposite sex.

Imagination? Funny thing is, this law is ONLY popular with the Bluest of blue States anything else throughout middle America or the majority of American states are not happy with this and with good reason. Now, I don't think you should discriminate against anyone, that's not the issue and it makes me crazy when the far left TRY to make that kind of false argument. You can be and do as you want, but in this situation, it's just common sense. And the backlash of this is coming. If they want to add an extra restroom with both sexes on it, I don't have a problem with that, but other than that, you use the restroom of your sex.

The premier of my province of Ontario is an openly gay female, whose married to her partner. The notion that sex is really a controversy has been slowly but surely being removed from the grade 4 mentality to the adults table a long time ago. It's no longer about looks.

This is a pragmatic and practical understanding that needed to be reflected in law. The statements here are no different from decades ago when they were made against homosexuals. Meanwhile Canada has moved on.

Your sex and looks are not a factor and should not be. Canada continues to strive for an equal society (we're certainly not perfect) while the USA circles the drain becoming ever more fearful and religious, similar to an Iran. That's sad to see.

Actually this isn't really controversial here (no more than the usual hicks of course who fear everything). This has to be one of the safest bills of legislation that Trudeau will put in place here, hence the hyperbolic pronouncement. That and marijuana freedom coming up at some point.

Sorry

This is a pragmatic and practical understanding that needed to be reflected in law.

How so? Why is it so pertinent that there needs to be a law that puts women, the majority of them in a very awkward and uncomfortable position?

The statements here are no different from decades ago when they were made against homosexuals. Meanwhile Canada has moved on.

I'm from California, you don't get more gay friendlier than our State. We're pretty much the epicenter and No one has a problem with gays, generally speaking. That's NOT the argument and NEVER was.

Your sex and looks are not a factor and should not be.

I agree.

Canada continues to strive for an equal society (we're certainly not perfect) while the USA circles the drain becoming ever more fearful and religious, similar to an Iran. That's sad to see.

There are many reasons why we are becoming fearful and all are very good reasons, one reason that many Americans see their rights be stripped away from them and being forced to become PC about everything and people are tired of it and it doesn't apply to this issue only, there are hundred of other examples, but I don't want to go off topic.

Actually this isn't really controversial here (no more than the usual hicks of course who fear everything).

That's not true at all. It has been a problem for awhile now.

This has to be one of the safest bills of legislation that Trudeau will put in place here, hence the hyperbolic pronouncement. That and marijuana freedom coming up at some point.

There are more than enough statements from people in Canada as well as in the US that would disagree along those points.

That's why Bill C-279 is gaining a lot of support.

Today's Toronto Star editorial cartoon is apropos: http://tinyurl.com/zw4e6fa

So in Canada I can now join women in the dressing room and sports teams if I just declare that I feel female today?

Yep. Right up to the point where you get an erection. (and no, you won't be able to claim you're a lesbian)

I like how if transgender people are uncomfortable about using one bathroom they can go to the other one, but a heterosexual person would get arrested.

The point I'm trying to make is that we are being more tolerant of one group over another, which doesn't really play into equality.

You know what I meant. Meaning, as long as you have male parts that define you unmistakably as a male, then you should use the men's restroom.

I'm curious why you are giving your opinion on a country in which you are not a citizen, and not a resident. And why should they care about your opinion? You are very fond of speaking about how the US shouldn't care what other countries think of the US, so why should Canada care what Americans think of them?

Anyways, the good news about this new law is that it should keep some of the bigots who are afraid of transgenders in their bathroom out of Canada.

Wow, so many comments. People really care about bathrooms.

A lot of people have been talking hypothetically about people using this law disingenuously as a way to perv on others. I really don't think that is going to be a problem. For example, if the neighborhood perv decides they are going to hang around in restrooms they wouldn't usually be using, what's going to happen? Either they are going to commit a crime in that restroom and be rightfully arrested for it, or they are just going to make people uncomfortable looking at feet under the stalls, eventually they are going to be arrested for loitering or something. I just don't see this as the huge problem some people do.

This law is just giving people the right to use the bathrooms that make them comfortable, it's not a blank check to act like a weirdo in restrooms.

Most public bathrooms have been torn down and now we use convenience store bathrooms. Space is at a premium in Tokyo, and there are still some of the old unisex bathrooms here and there. A urinal and a toilet, used by both men and women. No problems. Remember that before the Americans separated us after the war, men and women used to take baths together.

I'm curious why you are giving your opinion on a country in which you are not a citizen, and not a resident. And why should they care about your opinion? You are very fond of speaking about how the US shouldn't care what other countries think of the US, so why should Canada care what Americans think of them?

Because the US is struggling with the EXACT same issue, otherwise, I could care less what they do in their own country, but THIS involves girls and young women and the outcry for the people that are against this law is growing in both countries and in both countries, the majority of people are not going to put up with this and good on Canada for trying to stop this awful legislation.

after the war, men and women used to take baths together.

And now they don't. Why is that?

I'm guessing that it will start with toilet stalls

I think the dude who said that needs a holiday

Just a few of the types of incidents for people to think about. One of my relatives has PTSD from sexual abuse when she was growing up. Because of this she doesn't like people male or female putting their hands on her, no matter how slightly. Now she continually goes to therapy classes where it just so happens a transgender individual also attends classes at the same facility.

This person decided that because they identify as female, that they could put their hands on this relative of mine (Hands on shoulder, and hands on leg), and it obviously made her uncomfortable and she stated, "I don't like people putting their hands on me."... apparently this person didn't quite seem to comprehend that statement and continued to pretty much invade her personal space. I've informed her to take it to the counselors that work there, but there is obviously a problem with certain folks that are genetically male but identify as female start behaving like this towards towards genetically natural females. Where do over-reaching SJW "progressives" understand the line should be drawn?

homophobic (though so not the correct word and I still don't get how this is lumped in with gay, lesbian and bi folks), anti-transgender (since when did asking questions make anyone anti whatever?) and on and on.

All challenge 'normative gender." Which means, when translated into english, all of the elements that make up LGBTQ do not fit the traditional idea that men and men, women are women, never the twain shall meet, that women should procreate with men, men with women and -- in Australia -- with sheep.

I remember the old Japanese countryside-style public toilets where one end was labelled Men and the other Women, but you ended up in the same room. The urinal was closer to the men's entrance and the toilet to the women's entrance.

Clearly a design ahead of its time, but one that freaked out the occasional unwary foreigner.

I spend about 1/2 the year in Canada and 1/2 in Japan. No one I know in Canada is worried, phased or annoyed by this kind of change It's a complete non-issue for most of us

We are more mature and less reactionary than many parts of the world.

Nippori Nick MAY. 18, 2016 - 06:32AM JST I spend about 1/2 the year in Canada and 1/2 in Japan. No one I know in Canada is worried, phased or annoyed by this kind of change It's a complete non-issue for most of us

Compare to Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal, people living in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta were the least supportive of transgender people. Alberta standing out as where the majority say they do not support. That says with less interaction comes less acceptance.

bass4funk MAY. 18, 2016 - 07:34AM JST You don't get it and this is what drives me insane about liberals thought process. It is about the rights of women to have privacy without men disturbing that right. It's a non-issue for most men and for people that don't care what a lot of women, mothers seriously object to.

In a democratic process you have right to your opinion. Maybe you live in Socialist system?

The US has a democratic system and difference of opinion, the same as Canada

This person decided that because they identify as female, that they could put their hands on this relative of mine (Hands on shoulder, and hands on leg), and it obviously made her uncomfortable and she stated, "I don't like people putting their hands on me."... apparently this person didn't quite seem to comprehend that statement and continued to pretty much invade her personal space.

This sounds like an issue with that person, not a transgender issue.

@nippori nick

"We are more mature than the rest of the world"

I think you just summed up the smugness that people don't appreciate from some Canadians lol. Have a nice day feeling all mature up there man.

bass: How so? Why is it so pertinent that there needs to be a law that puts women, the majority of them in a very awkward and uncomfortable position?

Just do a search for pictures of transgender people. Now think about the fact that you're going to force them to go into the bathroom based on the gender when they were born. You don't think more than a few women will feel uncomfortable in that situation? And what about the transgender people? You want them to go through that possibly multiple times a day?

You guys never talk about that so I don't know if you think it won't happen or if you just don't care.

No one is born anatomically a man. " Oh really? I suppose you have never seen a newborn.

I think the poster was saying that newborns are newborns not adults when they are born.

Ironically, this new transgender law happens in a country that has increasingly giving in to demands by muslim groups to introduce women-only hours. To the degree that even a girls dad was banned from the using the swimming pool see here:

http://moralcompassblog.com/2013/04/09/toronto-pools-ban-dads-after-muslims-demands/

I wonder how that has developed since three years ago when the story came out. Personally, everyone will eventually have to get used to being together, we all might as well start sooner rather than later.

I think you just summed up the smugness that people don't appreciate from some Canadians lol. Have a nice day feeling all mature up there man.

Thanks. I will. Don't freak out, down there.

Compare to Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal, people living in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta were the least supportive of transgender people. Alberta standing out as where the majority say they do not support. That says with less interaction comes less acceptance

I am sure that is true, but let's face it..Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta are some of the most conservative parts of Canada. Same actually could be said for rural Ontario.

Not sure most people support it, but more probably most are just tired of politicians and want to live their lives in peace. Live and let live seems to be the way.

Canada announces ban on transgender discrimination

Your average Canadian might feel very uncomfortable if Caitlyn Jenner walked into the wrong restroom.

Your average Canadian might feel very uncomfortable if Caitlyn Jenner walked into the wrong restroom.

How would you know what the average Canadian would feel?

JeffreyDomer, I like what you said but I don't agree with it. And bringing transmigration into the argument is wrong. If such echoes from previous lives are present, why not animal or insect traits? Children who are afraid of the dark are not displaying signs of once being rabbits or mice...

Nippori Nick

Nobody's freaking out man. Nobody even wants to be you.

I am still surprised that many people hop-skip-and jump over this whole thing very lightly without considering all the implications. How fluid do we want to be about gender? Has that question even been addressed? If someone is so serious about his/her gender that they have a medical procedure and have their official documents changed, that is one thing. I don´t think that that would have have ever been an issue. But if you want to reduce gender simply to to a "feeling", i.e. let any guy become a woman for the day because he feels like it, there are all sorts of issues down the road.

For one thing, we can say good bye to womens sports, womens shelters, womens dressing rooms (as has been addressed), and for feminism for that matter. I would really be curious how the feminists feel about that. And for that matter, the muslim groups who also in Canada are pushing for strict gender separation.

I really don´t see how people want to integrate all these completely contradictory ideas.

I am all for "legalizing" cross-dressing but making it a crime to even oppose extreme accommodations for people having difficulty accepting the sex they were born with is too much. Canada has been criminalizing political speech for some time now and the problem seems to be getting much worse. It is totalitarian to force people to believe things they do no believe by threat of fine, imprisonment, and criminalization.

The West seems hell bent on doing away with the very concept of mental illness. There are some people that are born without the chromosomes that identify them specifically as male or female. These are the people that need to be accommodated. Biologically male and female individuals that declare themselves transgender should be assisted with their problems. But genital mutilation seems terribly extreme. It also seems unethical for medical professionals to participate in. Reminds me of Dr. Frankenstein putting together a person from parts and surgical ingenuity.

Instead of allowing people that science has determined to be male (XY chromosomes) or female (XX) to use the public bathrooms, locker rooms, and showers of the opposite sex, it would be much more appropriate to promote public awareness of cross dressers. And if someone does take the drastic step to change their sex organs to appear to be of the opposite sex then perhaps something can be done for these people. Seems like a fair accommodation to me.