August 2008

Age of Consent

Congratulations to Nicholas Dodds, as an outstanding Queer Youth Activist for the 2008 Youth Line Community Awards. Nick’s outstanding work with the Age of Consent Committee was recognized.

New CLGRO Website

The new CLGRO website, www.clgro.org is now up and running.

It is not completely finished, we still want to add Pay Pal so membership renewals and donations can be done on-line, and some of the longer Info Sheets need to be added and others updated.

We decided to include all the historical data on the website rather than offering to mail publications out. This should help with those who contact us for research projects.

Please have a look at the site and let us know what you think. Our new email address is [image email].

Education

CLGRO was represented at a meeting of the Ontario Inclusion Learning Network on June 6, 2008 and participated in a Consultation Meeting of the Safe Schools Action Team on June 9, 2008. At the Learning Network the importance of programs was emphasized to deal with safety in the schools and many were described. The concern expressed is that the focus is too much on violence, creating a culture of fear which is difficult to combat and we are moving toward a militarized system with more regulations and police in the schools.

At the Consultation we spoke specifically on homophobia in the schools and emphasized the importance of increasing the visibility of gays, lesbians and bisexuals in the schools, not just among the students but among the administration and staff as well to help diffuse homophobic attitudes. We also encouraged the inclusion of issues of sexual orientation throughout the curriculum, not only sex education but also history, arts & literature, science, sociology etc. as a means of helping to increase that visibility and awareness among the staff and students.

The consultations by the Safe Schools Action Team continue. When we attended we were the only queer group represented, the other two participants were OPP representatives. The recommendations from the Action Team are expected in October.

Health

Progress and More Progress for Rainbow Health Network

In the last few months there have been a number of very exciting developments that have taken place as a result of the work of the Rainbow Health Network (RHN). Here is a list of highlights:

• RHN hosted a successful public forum on May 13, 2008 to commemorate International Day Against Homophobia highlighting this year’s theme on health care. A presentation featuring the following panelists: Rebecca Hammond (Trans PULSE Project), David Lewis – Peart (Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention – Black CAP), Judy MacDonnell (Rainbow Nursing Interest Group – RNIG), Nick Mulé (Rainbow Health Network – RHN) and moderated by Fran Odette (community activist) took place followed by questions and discussion.
• RHN’s Trans Health Lobby Group has successfully lobbied the provincial government to relist sex reassignment surgery (SRS) under OHIP. The Trans Health Lobby Group on behalf of RHN, hopes to meet with the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care soon to discuss implementation. Meanwhile, the campaign continues for inclusion of trans people in the Ontario Human Rights Code.
• The proposal from RHN and CLGROfor a provincial resource centre has received a commitment from the provincial government to fund the new Rainbow Health Ontario (RHO). Housed in the Sherbourne Health Centre in Toronto, this provincial operation has recently hired staff and is currently getting up and running. More details to follow.
• The City of Toronto recently provided RHN with a $5,000 grant based on a proposal to address cultural intersections in anti-homophobia training and education to health and social care professionals.
• RHN was awarded the 2008 Pride Gala Award in the category of ‘Science, Medicine and Technology’ by the Pride Committee of Toronto. The award was presented June 24th, 2008 by former Minister of Health George Smitherman to RHN representatives Nick Mulé (RHN Chairperson, CLGRO Spokesperson), Richard Hudler (RHN Treasurer, CLGRO Administrator) Phyllis Waugh (RHN Secretary, CLGRO Member) and Susan Gapka (RHN Member at Large, Trans Health Lobby Group Chairperson) at a gala event.

Further to all of these developments, RHN is currently in the process of creating policies and procedures in moving forward with its work.

Minutes Summary

CLGRO Annual General Meeting and Steering Committee Meeting Toronto, May 3, 2008.

At the Annual General Meeting Brent Southin, Chair; Tom Warner, Treasurer and Nick Mulé, Secretary were returned as CLGRO Directors. David Smith was elected as Memberat- Large. There remain vacancies for five members-at-large, only two of whom may be male. The membership, administrator, and group reports were approved along with the 2008/09 budget. Steering Committee Meetings for next year were set at September 6, 2008; January 10, 2009 and May 2, 2009 which will also include the Annual General Meeting. Since there were not enough members present to form a quorum, the decisions from this meeting will need to be ratified at the next Steering Committee Meeting. If there are any objections the Steering Committee should be notified before the September meeting.

A major portion of the meeting was spent discussing the new website with Wil deGast of Wildbytes who is setting it up. Our new website address is www.clgro.org and the new e-mail address is query at clgro dot org. It is expected that the new website will be fully operational when the next newsletter comes out in August.

We discussed the Age of Consent legislation which is now in effect and our on-going development of a project to deal with homophobia in schools and another to change charitable status laws. We continue to monitor the new human rights legislation and promising developments in health care and we worked on celebration of the International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO) of which CGLRO is one of the sponsors.

ILGA

ILGA XXIV World Conference:
3 – 6 November 2008, Vienna, Austria

The 24th World Conference of the International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA) will be held in Vienna, from November 3 to 6, 2008. It will be co-organised by local member group Hosi-Wien. Its theme will be “Organising locally to bring on global change”.
ILGA conferences are open to all. This year’s conference will unfortunately have a limited number of spaces and therefore all those who are interested in attending will be asked to send an application to the office by August 3 as well as a request for a scholarship, if needed. A selection will be made in order to respect a fair regional; organizational, identity and gender balance both in terms of participation and scholarships. Regional board members elected at ILGA’s regional conferences will have priority. More information on http://www.ilga.org.
Women’s Newsletter: The second issue of the Newsletter of ILGA Women’s Project is available atwww.ilga.org/newsletters/02_0708/. They have tried to improve its layout and contents. We are also looking for a more attractive name for the next versions of the Newsletter, which will be published every three months. The name needs to be short, clear and should be easily translated into English and Spanish, the two official languages of ILGA according to its constitution. Send your suggestions to patriciacurzi@ilga.org and feel free to be creative!
Map on LGBTI rights in the world: ILGA is proud to send you the 2008 version of its map on LGBTI rights in the world on occasion of the federation’s 30th anniversary. Founded in 1978, ILGA is now a federation of over 600 groups in over 90 countries campaigning for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex (LGBTI) rights. The map is accessible on www.ilga.org. They encourage you to publish it or have it published by your media contacts or for exhibition purposes. Thanks for mentioning ILGA’s credits, should you use it.
Report on State-sponsored Homophobia: ILGA publishes 2008 report on State-sponsored Homophobia. Being lesbian or gay is risking jail time in 86 countries and death penalty in 7, available at www.ilga.org. For more information on State Sponsored Homophobia and legislations affecting LGBTI people, ILGA’s activities around the world and at the United Nations, please contact: Stephen Barris / ILGA: 00 32 2 502 24 71

Human Rights

Human Rights system changes took effect on June 30, 2008. As a result, the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) will no longer accept complaints of discrimination. All new applications alleging discrimination are to be filed with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO). The website for the HRTO is www.hrto.ca, tel (Toronto) 416-326-1312, (Toll Free) 1-866-598-0322.
Following is part of the transition update sent to stakeholders by the Tribunal:
Facilities: The Tribunal’s new hearing and mediation facilities will be located at 655 Bay Street, 14th floor [Toronto ON M7A 2A3]. The Tribunal will continue to hold mediations and hearings in regional hearing centres, and in other locations where the accommodation of particular needs is required.
New Rules of Procedure: We are posting our Rules of Procedure, which will govern all new Applications filed under Part IV of the Code. We are also posting the Application and Response Forms, the Applicant’s and Respondent’s guides and a plain language overview of the procedure for addressing new applications. All material will be available on-line, and in alternate formats.

Individuals will be able to complete and submit the Application and Response Forms on-line. These electronic “smart forms” will guide users through the process of completing the forms, will have “drop down” menus and will link directly to the relevant sections in the applicable guides. The forms will also be available in Word format for use with screen readers, or may be downloaded and printed. Print, large print and Braille versions will be available from the Tribunal.

We have worked hard to make the Application and Response Forms easy to use and accessible. We have had the forms reviewed by plain language consultants, and “tested” them in focus groups. However, it is important to remember that a proceeding before the Tribunal is a legal proceeding. Plain language forms and guides cannot make a complex case simple or remove essential legal elements. Individuals are not required to be represented by a lawyer at the Tribunal, but parties are encouraged to seek legal advice and assistance.
Transition Cases: On May 5, 2008 we issued draft Rules of Procedure that will apply to Applications filed under the Transitional provisions of the Code. These are Applications that may be filed by individuals who have outstanding Complaints at the Commission on June 30, 2008. We invite all those interested to visit the section of the website which explains the Transition caseload procedure, and to provide comments and input on the proposed Rules.
Policies: The Tribunal has developed, and is updating a number of policies. For example, we have posted our draft Accessibility and Accommodation Policy for public comment. This policy was developed incorporating obligations under the Code as well as the service standards issued under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. We have also updated our policy on translation and interpretation, and are finalizing our policy on Public Comment and Complaints, which will provide a formal mechanism to address concerns about services provided by the Tribunal.

Conjugal

Conjugal and Familial Transformations: Its Implications on Individuals and Religious Institutions

Call for Papers June 4 and 5, 2009, Paris

Religious traditions have had a durable influence on matters pertaining to marriage, human relations, and sexuality, such as in the enactment of laws and rights in relation to marriage and family. However, recent transformations of conjugal (i.e. coupled) and familial relations and family structure have significantly challenged religionsanctioned normative models, representations, and practices. These transformations are characterized by the pluralization of conjugal and familial forms: mixed-race couples and intermarriage, and reconstituted, adoptive, single-parent, same-sex families etc.

Those transformations are an outcome of several developments – individualization and democratization inside the family, importance given to the place of the child, women’s access to contraception and abortion, dissociation between legal family rights and reproduction. Nevertheless, these developments cannot hide the persistence of inequalities among families, the work sphere and religious life.

The objective of these study days is to gather researchers in all fields of social sciences researching across the areas of religion, familial relations, gender, and sexual transformations. The purpose is to analyze the ways individuals and institutions act and interact in face of such transformations.

Abstracts for presentation of one page (approximately 2000 characters) should include the author’s title, affiliation, name and address. They should be sent to the organizing committee at religion.genre at yahoo dot fr before October 31, 2008. Acceptance of proposals will be announced in January 2009. It is our intention to publish the accepted papers.

Michael Kerr, Coordinator
Karuna Community Services
#310-15 Maitland Place, Toronto, ON M4Y 2X3 Canada
Phone: 416-966-3882
Fax: 416-971-6780
E-mail: kerr.michaelat gmail dot com
or: michaelbrucekerr at yahoo dot ca

Outwords Electronic

We are now able to send Outwords, the CLGRO Newsletter, electronically. If you wish an electronic copy of Outwords to forward to friends and potential new members, or if you want to save trees and CLGRO postage and mailing costs by receiving your newsletter through e-mail, just send an e-mail to [image email] saying so.

Planned Giving
Have you considered planned giving to CLGRO? Planned giving means leaving a bequest in your will for a donation to be made from the proceeds of your estate once you have passed on. It’s an easy and effective way of ensuring that a group and a cause you have supported during your lifetime can continue to thrive. Including CLGRO in your planned giving would be a tangible way for you to leave a lasting legacy and to ensure that the movement to advance the liberation of gays, lesbians, and bisexuals will continue. The amount you choose to leave as a gift would be up to you – and you should talk to a lawyer or financial advisor about that. As for CLGRO, we would be enormously grateful to receive a bequest of any amount and would be certain to put it to good use!

About the Newsletter

Outwords is published three times a year by CLGRO, the Coalition for Lesbian and Gay Rights in Ontario. Except for editorials, the views expressed in Outwords are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official position of CLGRO or its member organizations. Articles may be accepted at the discretion of the editor. The purpose of the newsletter is to keep the membership informed about CLGRO activities and other matters of interest.

Newsletters are mailed free to CLGRO members. Join CLGRO by completing the membership form below!

Contributors to this Newsletter are: Richard Hudler, Nick Mulé, David Smith, and Tom Warner.

About CLGRO

CLGRO is an organization composed of groups and individuals committed to working towards feminism and lesbian, gay, and bisexual liberation by engaging in public struggle for full human rights, by promoting diversity and access within our communities, and by strengthening cooperative networks for feminism and lesbian, gay, and bisexual activism.

CLGRO – the Coalition for Lesbian and Gay rights in Ontario
Box 822, Station A, Toronto Ont. M5W 1G3, Canada

phone (416) 405-8253
e-mail query at clgro dot org
website: www.clgro.org

December 2008

As you will see from the enclosed letter, with the considerations to be made at the above meeting, we are not sending letters requesting donations with this Newsletter.

Those who wish to renew and make sure their membership is up-to-date will see their membership expiry date on the address label and may complete the form at the end of the Newsletter to renew.

Consistent with our move to the 519 Church Street Community Centre, CLGRO now has a new phone number for messages only:

416-392-6878 ext. 4049

Rainbow Health Network Expands its Steering Committee

Rainbow Health Ontario Launches

On October 15, 2008, CLGRO’s reference group, the Rainbow Health Network (RHN) held its Annual General Meeting.  In line with its goals to strengthen its infrastructure, it doubled its Steering Committee to the following:

Nick Mulé – Chairperson
Richard Hudler – Treasurer
Julia Stevenson – Secretary
Phyllis Waugh – Equity
Susan Gapka – Member at Large
David Lewis – Education
Andrea Daley – Advocacy
Masina Wright – Member at Large
Unfilled – Networking

RHN will go into the new year establishing an equity policy and finalizing its constitution and bylaws.

Also, the CLGRO-RHN-Sherbourne Health Centre proposed Rainbow Health Ontario (RHO) is at press time gearing up for an exciting launch to take place November 28, 2008 from 10:00 – 11:30 AM at the Toronto Marriott Downtown Eaton Centre Hotel.  This event will feature former Minister of Health and Long-Term Care and current Ontario Deputy Premier and Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, George Smitherman, MPP and current Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, David Caplan, MPP and include the launching of the RHO website.

RHO represents the achievement of a major CLGRO goal to establish a resource centre that would provide information, referrals, training, education, research and policy regarding the health and wellbeing of LGBTs across the province of Ontario.

Nick Mulé,
Toronto

Steering Committee Meeting, Toronto September 6, 2008

There were no objections to the decisions made at the Annual General Meeting in May so those decisions were ratified. On reviewing our commitment list we felt that we should become more active with some of the things we had on our “wish list” such as the new CLGRO leaflet and the updating of the ‘Young People and Sex” leaflet. In other areas, such as rural outreach and fundraising we hope that new opportunities will present themselves as we develop our knowledge of the use of the internet.

Although we are aware of some excellent work being done in Toronto and urban areas for LGBT seniors we are concerned about what the situation is like in less densely populated areas and are trying to look at this area. We discussed the upcoming federal election. We continue to monitor such areas as education, police, charitable status, sex issues and census.

A lot of work continues to be done in the health area, mainly through the Rainbow Health Network which will have a representative on the Local Health Integration Network (LHINs). The Network is also looking at expanding their board and the new Rainbow Health Ontario (RHO) is getting off the ground. We reviewed the International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO) which focused this year on health.

We made note of a number of changes we would like to make to the website. We have received a number of complaints about discrimination in housing and noted that the Human Rights Commission is looking at this. We will collect the complaints we received and send them to the Commission to try to reinforce their efforts. We were able to send someone to the Egale meeting with their Board.

Next Meeting January 10, 2009.

Outwords is published three times a year by CLGRO, the Coalition for Lesbian and Gay Rights in Ontario. Except for editorials, the views expressed in Outwords are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official position of CLGRO or its member organizations. Articles may be accepted at the discretion of the editor. The purpose of the newsletter is to keep the membership informed about CLGRO activities and other matters of interest.

Newsletters are mailed free to CLGRO members. Join CLGRO by completing the membership form below!

Contributors to this Newsletter are: Richard Hudler, Brent Southin and Nick Mulé.

CLGRO is an organization composed of groups and individuals committed to working towards feminism and lesbian, gay, and bisexual liberation by engaging in public struggle for full human rights, by promoting diversity and access within our communities, and by strengthening cooperative networks for feminism and lesbian, gay, and bisexual activism.

CLGRO – the Coalition for Lesbian and Gay Rights in Ontario
Box 822, Station A, Toronto Ont. M5W 1G3, Canada

phone (416) 392-6878 x 4049
e-mail: query at clgro dot org
website: www.clgro.org

April 2009

On the reverse side of this Newsletter you will find the financial report for the fiscal year 2008/2009. This should give members an idea of the current financial position CLGRO is in and what will be left to be distributed after our GIC matures in August.

Suggestions for the distribution of these funds should be sent to the directors for consideration at query at clgro dot org or 416-392-6878 ext. 4049 or Box 822 Stn. A, Toronto ON M5W 1G3.

March 30, 2009

To All Organizational, Individual and Supporting Members of the Coalition for Lesbian and Gay Rights in Ontario

NOTICE OF SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING

May 2, 2009

Pursuant to By-law 1701 of the Coalition for Lesbian and Gay Rights in Ontario (hereinafter “CLGRO”), notice is hereby given of a Special General Meeting of CLGRO on Saturday, May 2, 2009 at the 519 Church Street Community Centre, Room 135, 519 Church Street, Toronto, Ontario, M4Y 2C9 at 1:00 p.m. for the purpose of considering and, if thought appropriate, adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas the CLGRO Steering Committee has consulted with the members of CLGRO on the future of CLGRO and its continued existence;

And Whereas the CLGRO Steering Committee at a meeting held on January 10, 2009 agreed to recommend to the membership that CLGRO be dissolved and, in accordance with the provisions of By-law 702(c)(ii), that a Special General Meeting of the members be held on May 2, 2009 for the purpose of presenting to the members for adoption a motion to dissolve CLGRO;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Coalition for Lesbian and Gay Rights in Ontario be and is hereby dissolved, effective May 2, 2009, and further that the directors be and are hereby directed pursuant to By-law 1702 and By-law 1703, upon payment of all debts and liabilities of CLGRO, to dispose of all of the remaining property of CLGRO to one or more community or charitable organizations having as objects the rights, interests or welfare of the lesbian, gay, or bisexual communities.

Nick J. Mulé, Secretary
On behalf of the CLGRO Steering Committee

Steering Committee Meeting, Toronto January 10, 2009

Although the minutes from the September 6, 2008 Steering Committee were approved, the agenda for this meeting was restricted primarily to discussion for recommendations regarding the future of CLGRO.

Nick Mulé submitted the proposal “Dissolution of CLGRO, Creation of a New Queer Voice in Ontario” and a summary sheet, both of which are available on the CLGRO website. This would be a new project which CLGRO launches and may be able to help fund. The recommendation that CLGRO dissolve will be taken to a special general meeting on May 2, 2009.

January 2010

Happy New Decade

This is the last CLGRO Newsletter.

You will see from the Minutes Summary that the resolution to dissolve CLGRO was passed by the membership on May 2, 2009. The Distribution of Assets shows what the Directors decided to do with the remaining funds. Queer Ontario describes a new organization designed to carry on some of CLGRO’s work and preserve the history and documents of the work CLGRO has done.

We appreciate the support you have given us over the past 34 years and hope that you will be able to join us at the “CLGRO Farewell – Queer Ontario Launch Party.”

 Brent Southin, Chair

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

A brief Annual General Meeting was held on May 2, 2009 in Toronto to approve the minutes of the previous Annual General Meeting and elect the directors and present the financial report (which was included with the April Newsletter).

The directors Brent Southin, Chair; Nick Mulé, Secretary; and Tom Warner, Treasurer were reelected by acclamation.

SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING

There were 11 paid up voting members and four group members represented, constituting a quorum for this meeting.

Resolution to Dissolve CLGRO:

Whereas the CLGRO Steering Committee has consulted with the members of CLGRO on the future of CLGRO and its continued existence;

And Whereas the CLGRO Steering Committee at a meeting held on January 10, 2009 agreed to recommend to the membership that CLGRO be dissolved and, in accordance with the provisions of By-law 702(c)(ii), that a Special General Meeting of the members be held on May 2, 2009 for the purpose of presenting to the members for adoption a motion to dissolve CLGRO;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Coalition for Lesbian and Gay Rights in Ontario be and is hereby dissolved, effective May 2, 2009, and further that the directors be and are hereby directed pursuant to By-law 1702 and By-law 1703, upon payment of all debts and liabilities of CLGRO, to dispose of all of the remaining property of CLGRO to one or more community or charitable organizations having as objects the rights, interests or welfare of the lesbian, gay, or bisexual communities.

The Resolution was carried unanimously.

Proposals: There has been a proposal for “Queer Ontario” network: There has been lots of positive feed-back to the proposal to form a group which would carry on the philosophy of CLGRO and preserve its history. A brief proposal was received from Community One (previously the Lesbian and Gay Community Appeal) for a scholarship sponsored by CLGRO. A proposal was also received from the Rainbow Health Network (RHN) which was formed by CLGRO. Also, CLGRO has been in communication with the Lesbian and Gay Archives.

Discussion of distribution of funds: There was discussion about the distribution of funds. It was suggested that the funds should be distributed to no more than three groups, one suggestion was RHN, Queer Ontario and the Archives; the other was Queer Ontario, RHN and Community One. It was agreed that the final decision would be left to the directors.

Richard Hudler, Administrator

In accordance with the resolution adopted by the members at the May 2, 2009 Special General Meeting, the CLGRO directors have approved the distribution of CLGRO funds in equal amounts to the following three community organizations:

• Rainbow Health Network
• Queer Ontario
• Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives.

The organizations were issued cheques in November 2009 in the amount of $6,400 each.

As at December 31, 2009, CLGRO’s only asset was cash in the amount of $1,238.09. $317.39 is earmarked funds remaining from a grant received to sponsor annual events for International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO).  The directors are negotiating with another community group for the transfer of the earmarked funds to that organization to help fund future IDAHO events.  Following the transfer of those funds and the payment of any outstanding salary, banking charges and the expenses incurred for the printing and mailing of this final newsletter, CLGRO will have no liabilities or obligations. Should there be any cash remaining upon the transfer of the earmarked funds and the payment of last expenses, the remaining cash will be dispersed in equal amounts to each of the three above-named community groups.

Tom Warner, Treasurer

 CLGRO Bids Farewell – Queer Ontario Launches

The Coalition for Lesbian and Gay Rights in Ontario (CLGRO) resolved to dissolve at a Special General Meeting in May 2009.  CLGRO concluded a rich history of over 34 years of being at the forefront of lesbian, gay and bisexual activism in this province and beyond.  A multi-issued organization that for the most part operated on few resources, it challenged homophobia, heterosexism and discrimination against queer communities winning numerous victories along the way.  Nevertheless, its ability to continue to function as a coalition with a dwindling membership and decreasing resources determined its decision to dissolve.

As this decision was being made a proposal was put forth to create a new provincial queer entity that would be technologically based to create a modernized outlet for queer liberationist activism in Ontario.  Since June of 2009, a group of committed queer activists have been meeting in Toronto to create the foundations of such an entity called, Queer Ontario.  With the generous donation of part of CLGRO’s remaining assets, Queer Ontario is now ready to launch by hosting a party, part of which will commemorate a farewell to CLGRO.  As past CLGRO members and supporters you are especially invited to attend:

“CLGRO Farewell –
Queer Ontario Launch Party”
Saturday, January 30, 2010
6:00 – 9:00 PM
Buddies in Bad Times Theatre
12 Alexander Street, Toronto, ON

Free event featuring speakers, information, vegan refreshments, entertainment, official Queer Ontario website launch, networking and socializing

CLGRO has benefited greatly from your support over the years.  We at the new Queer Ontario organization feel it is essential that a queer liberation perspective continues in this province.  Therefore, you are strongly encouraged to join Queer Ontario to ensure a queer liberation voice thrives.  Simply e-mail us at info@queerontario.org and you will be added to Queer Ontario’s membership list, then sent posts such as our new website, information on the latest queer happenings and plenty of opportunities to get involved.

Once again, thank you for your support of CLGRO and we look forward to having you aboard the new Queer Ontario.

Nick Mulé
CLGRO Secretary,
Queer Ontario Founder

Original call to action – Summer, 1999

Send Prime Minister Jean Chretien a postcard calling on his government to amend all 58 federal laws that discriminate against same-sex relationships (and likely violate the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms).

On January 7, 1999 the Foundation For Equal Families served the Federal Government with an omnibus legal challenge of 58 federal laws that discriminate against same-sex couples.

EGALE (Equality for Gays and Lesbians Everywhere) has mounted a postcard campaign to lobby the Prime Minister for legislation to change the definition of spouse now in all the discriminatory federal laws.

February 2000

Updates…

The federal Liberal government introduced Bill C-23, an act to modernize the statutes of Canada in relation to benefits and obligations, which would change 68 laws affecting unmarried couples, and gives same-sex couples common-law status. The new law doesn’t include marriage or immigration, nor does it compel spouses to testify against each other (which the government is considering repealing). It also does not include the marital exemption to a higher age of consent.

The summary says: “This enactment extends benefits and obligations to all couples who have been cohabiting in a conjugal relationship for at least one year …” Gay couples would get: child-care tax breaks; pension benefits for a survivor’s partner; old age security supplement; income tax credit for dependant partner and children, also income-splitting; and conjugal prison visits; etc.

First reading was on Feb 11. Second reading was a few days later, a whipped vote 161-61, sending the bill to the committee stage on March 2. All 32 Reformers voted against; all NDPers in the House voted for; and Ian McClelland (who has a gay son) was absent. BQ 28 for, 10 opposed. 14 Liberals voted against (incl Wappel), and 5 PCers.

Some Liberal and Reform MPs refused to support the bill unless benefits are extended to other, non-sexual, cohabiting relationships. Cost is likely to be minimal or nonexistent as some couples will gain, some lose. It is not yet clear whether any part of the legislation will apply retroactively. For CPP, the bill will apply where a partner died after 1 January 1998 or where a claim had been filed before the bill was tabled on February 11.

The committee then agreed to hear from the right wing group RealWomen, while refusing to hear a submission from NAC, the National Action Committee on the Status of Women. NAC president Joan Grant-Cummings:, “The absurdity of this matter is beyond comprehension. At least 50% of our membership are lesbians and there are no lesbian groups appearing before the committee.”

Regarding the Canadian budget, Chartered Accountants’ commentary, section on same-sex couples:

• recognition of two persons regardless of sex who cohabit in a conjugal relationship and have done so for at least one year, will be considered spouses for tax purposes, effective for 2001+
• same-sex couples may jointly elect to be considered spouses for 1998, 1999, 2000
• same-sex couples may make spousal RRSP contributions; rollover RRSP plans on death; and claim spousal credits
• but the law also affects GST credit; child tax benefits; and claims for child-care expenses.

March 2000

A letter sent out by John Fisher, EGALE…

Dear Friends,

We are concerned that calls to the Government opposing Bill C-23 are vastly outnumbering calls in support. I recognize that many members of our communities consider the passage of this Bill a “fait accompli” and may be assuming that no action is needed to ensure its passage, but I believe that such an approach underestimates the strength of the opposition to this Bill and also places too much trust in government’s willingness to “do the right thing”.

– John Fisher, EGALE

The Foundation For Equal Families has various press releases about this struggle. They also have posted the “Notice of Application” which was filed against the Federal Government.

From a notice sent out by Svend Robinson…

If you were living in a conjugal relationship with a same-sex partner who died after 1985 and you were together for at least one year after April 1985, you may be eligible under the new bill for benefits under the Canada Pension Plan Survivors’ Pension scheme. But unless your partner died after January 1998, you must put in a claim for this pension before the bill becomes law. In other words, if you are eligible, and your partner died after 1985 but before February 1998, you must act now. Contact your local CPP office and file a claim.

April 2000

Bill C-23, the “Modernizing Benefits and Obligations Act”, was passed in the House Of Commons and has been sent to the Senate. The text of C-23 after the third and final reading was posted by the Canadian government in English and inFrench.

Further information on the tax aspects of the bill has been written by the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency.

As well, EGALE has further links about this action including:

• a fact sheet about the fundamentally offensive “marriage amendment”;
• and an analysis of the “Modernizing Benefits and Obligations Bill C-23”.

June 8, 2000

It looks as though Bill C-23 is going be passed by the Senate at 3rd reading, next week.

From the Senate Journals, June 8….

“The Honourable Senator Milne, Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs, presented its Sixth Report (Bill C-23, An Act to modernize the Statutes of Canada in relation to benefits and obligations) without amendment.

The Honourable Senator Hays moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Carstairs, that the Bill be placed on the Orders of the Day for a third reading at the next sitting.

The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.”

Note: This “Call To Action” finished in a victory on October 27, 1999, with the passing of Bill 5 by the Ontario government.

Nothing Less Than Equality!
October, 1999 – An Ontario-wide Action

The Coalition for Lesbian and Gay Rights in Ontario (CLGRO) calls upon the Harris Government to immediately amend allprovincial laws containing the word “spouse” or similar terms to comply with the Supreme Court of Canada’s May 1999 decision in the case of M v. H.

The decision was temporarily suspended for six months so that the government could remedy the situation. This period runs out on November 20, 1999. The Attorney General has been quoted in the press as saying that the legislation will be introduced within that deadline.

In a meeting with the Attorney General on October 18, 1999, CLGRO urged the government to amend all Ontario laws containing the term “spouse”. CLGRO has been lobbying governments of all three political parties since the late 1980s to remove discrimination against same-sex relationships in provincial laws.

The people of Ontario do not want any more of their taxes wasted in costly court challenges of the definition of “spouse” now that the highest court in the land has clearly ruled it to be discriminatory.

Given that there is likely to be strong opposition to such legislation, it is critical that you call, e-mail or write Mike Harristoday to tell him to amend all the laws to include same-sex relationships.

Postcard and Letter Campaign

CLGRO has also mounted a Nothing Less Than Equality postcard campaign. Postcards have already been mailed to member groups and individual members and should arrive early in the week of October 18th. They have also been distributed to many Gay/Lesbian groups, community services and supportive businesses throughout Ontario. If you cannot find them within your community, or if you would like to distribute some for us, please contact CLGRO at (416) 405-8253, or e-mail us at clgro@web.ca

If it is not convenient for you to get/send a postcard, here is a letter to Premier Harris you can print out, or paste into an e-mail, and send.

Mail the Premier at:

Honourable Michael D. Harris
Office of the Premier
Room 281
Legislative Building
Queen’s Park
Toronto, ON M7A 1A1

E-mail him at: webprem@gov.on.ca,

Or phone the Premier at (416) 325-1941, using the above letter text as a guide.

Nothing Less Than Equality!
Ontario’s New “Same-Sex Partner” Law – What Does It Mean?

A public forum presented by the Coalition for Lesbian and Gay Rights in Ontario (CLGRO)

Speakers will include Cynthia Petersen, a lawyer, who will provide information and answer your questions about Bill 5, Ontario’s new “same-sex partner” law.

Saturday, November 20, 1999
2:00 pm
East Room
The 519 Church Street Community Centre
(519 Church St., Toronto)

Laws Changed And Unchanged By Bill 5

Listed below are the laws that were amended and not amended by Bill 5. The changes to the Family Law Act take effect on November 20, 1999. The changes to the other laws take effect on March 1, 2000.

Laws Amended by Bill 5

All Acts in which a common-law heterosexual spouse is currently recognized were amended to add recognition of a “same sex partner”.

• Absentees Act
• Assessment Act
• Business Corporations Act
• Change of Name Act
• Charitable Institutions Act
• Child and Family Services Act (adoption)
• Children’s Law Reform Act
• City of Toronto Act
• Commercial Tenancies Act
• Community Economic Development Act, 1993
• Compensation for Victims of Crime Act
• Consumer Reporting Act
• Conveyancing and Law of Property Act
• Co-operative Corporations Act
• Coroners Act
• Corporations Act
• County of Simcoe Act, 1993
• Courts of Justice Act
• Credit Unions and Caisse Populaire Act, 1994
• Education Act
• Election Act
• Employment Standards Act
• Estates Act
• Execution Act
• Family Law Act
• Family Responsibility and Support Arrears Enforcement Act, 1996
• Homes for the Aged and Rest Homes Act
• Human Rights Code
• Human Tissue Gift Act
• Independent Health Facilities Act
• Insurance Act
• Land Transfer Tax Act
• Legislative Assembly Act
• Loan and Trust Corporations Act
• Local Government Disclosure of Interest Act, 1994
• Members’ Integrity Act
• Mental Hospitals Act
• Mortgages Act
• MPPs Pension Act, 1996
• Municipal Act
• Municipal Conflict of Interest Act
• Municipal Elderly Residents’ Assistance Act
• Municipal Elections Act, 1996
• Municipal Health Services Act
• Northern Services Boards Act
• Nursing Home Act
• Ontario Disability Support Program Act, 1997
• Ontario Energy Board Act, 1998
• Ontario Municipal Employee’s Retirement System Act
• Ontario Works Act, 1997
• Ontario Youth Employment Act
• Partnerships Act
• Pension Benefits Act
• Perpetuities Act
• Police Services Act
• Public Libraries Act
• Public Service Pensions Act
• Regional Municipality of Ottawa-Carleton Act
• Retail Sales Tax Act
• Securities Act
• Succession Law Reform Act
• Tenant Protection Act, 1997
• Toronto Hospital Act, 1997
• Toronto Island Residential Community Stewardship Act, 1993
• Victims’ Bill of Rights, 1995
• Victims’ Right to Proceeds of Crime, 1994
• Workplace Safety and Insurance Act and the repealed Workers’ Compensation Act

Laws Unchanged by Bill 5

Laws which do not recognize common-law heterosexual spouses (recognize only married couples) were not changed.

• Evidence Act
• Health Disciplines Act
• Land Titles Act
• Land Registration Reform Act
• Ontario Home Ownership Savings Plan Act
• Ontario Guaranteed Annual Income Act

Note: The Income Tax Act (Ontario) was not amended as it depends on the definition of “spouse” contained in the Income Tax Act (Canada), which currently applies only to opposite-sex couples.

Dear Premier Harris:

As a concerned Ontarian, I ask that you amend all provincial laws containing “spouse” or similar terms to comply with the Supreme Court of Canada’s May 1999 decision in the case of M v. H.

I do not want any more of my taxes wasted in costly court challenges of the definition of “spouse” now that the highest court in the land has clearly ruled it to be discriminatory.

I urge you to immediately amend all Ontario laws, not just the Family Law Act, to include same-sex relationships in the definition of “spouse”.

Yours sincerely,

[Name]

A concerned Ontarian, who wants Nothing Less Than Equality.

Amended laws to recognize same-sex ruling

By JEFF HARDER, Sun Media Queen’s Park Bureau

TORONTO – Ontario’s Conservative government will introduce and pass gay rights legislation in the coming session of the house.

The legislation will amend dozens of existing laws that fail to recognize same-sex couples, Attorney General James Flaherty confirmed yesterday.

“Our intention is to go ahead and introduce a bill so we can comply by Nov. 20,” Flaherty said.

The bill will bring Ontario into line with a Supreme Court of Canada decision that extends spousal recognition to gay and lesbian couples.

The province will not dispute the ruling, despite some internal opposition to homosexual rights.

“There are at least 60 provincial statutes potentially affected,” Flaherty said.

“The important thing is that we try to be comprehensive in our approach. We will have to introduce the bill and have an opportunity for the members of the legislature to vote by Nov. 20.”

Liberal Leader Dalton McGuinty said his caucus will support the bill. The entire Tory caucus voted against a similar bill introduced by the NDP in 1994.

The Government house leader, Norm Sterling, didn’t want to talk about the possibility of an omnibus gay rights law.

“I’m not commenting on that at this time,” he said.

The speech from the throne, which will be delivered tomorrow by Lt.-Gov. Hilary Weston, will focus on squeegee kids and taxpayer protection, he said.

“Taxpayer protection and the balanced budget legislation is really important to us. It will show prominence again.”

The Conservatives pledged to outlaw aggressive panhandling and squeegee kids in the spring election campaign.

Debate can’t start until a new speaker is named to replace Chris Stockwell, now labour minister.