Canadian PM to introduce transgender rights bill

A reveller holds a rainbow flag during the Tokyo Rainbow Pride parade celebrating lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) culture in Tokyo, Japan, May 8, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

OTTAWA -- Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Monday announced in Montreal that he will introduce legislation "to ensure the full protection of transgender people" Tuesday, which is the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.

"We must continue to demand true equality," he said. "We must carry on the legacy of those who fought for justice by being bold and ambitious in our actions, and we must work diligently to close the gap between our principles and our reality."

The details of the proposed legislation have not yet been revealed.

Trudeau made the announcement while he received the Laurent-McCutcheon Award in Montreal.

The award, named after the pioneer in the fight against homophobia who served as president of the Montreal hotline Gai Écoute from 1982 until 2013, is handed out annually by Fondation Emergence to recognize a significant contribution to the fight against anti-LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) prejudice.

The award highlights Trudeau's continued support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals in Quebec and across Canada.

Last week, a spokesperson for the Canadian Justice Ministry hinted "legislation will be coming forward very shortly".

Trudeau has reportedly asked Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould to make it a priority to introduce legislation "to add gender identity as a prohibited ground for discrimination under the Canadian Human Rights Act, and to the list of distinguishing characteristics of 'identifiable group' protected by the hate speech provisions of the Criminal Code."