Manitoba’s Progressive Conservative leader Obby Khan is calling for more clarity and potential changes to the NDP government’s bill to add gender expression to the province’s human rights code. The proposed legislation would formally protect individuals’ rights to be addressed by their preferred pronouns. Khan, newly elected as leader on April 26, says constituents have raised concerns about potential misuse of the law, particularly regarding complaints over misgendering. While reaffirming his party’s support for human rights, Khan questioned the bill’s threshold for filing complaints.
Justice Minister Matt Wiebe defended the bill, noting similar protections exist in eight provinces and two territories. Manitoba Human Rights Commission’s executive director Karen Sharma clarified that the code applies to services like housing and employment, not personal or religious interactions. The bill is expected to pass this spring under the NDP majority. Khan indicated Tory caucus members may be granted a free vote.
Source: Swifteradio.com
