Sex

1. 9.3. Intersections with sex

   From: Minds that matter: Report on the consultation on human rights, mental health and addictions

   There is a close connection between mental health disabilities, addictions and gendered violence. Women who are survivors of violence, trauma and abuse often face substance use and mental health issues.[61] Several women reported gender-based violence related to having a mental health history. Some said they were sexually harassed or assaulted by patients or staff while hospitalized for a psychiatric disability.

2. Female Genital Mutilation (FGM): Questions and answers (fact sheet)

   1999 - FGM is prohibited in Canada. If you have been subjected to FGM or you come from an area or country where FGM is practised, you have the right to be free from discrimination and unfair treatment by your employer, your colleagues and your teachers.

3. Board of Inquiry decision requires Barrie YMCA to offer equal services to women

   Toronto - Chief Commissioner Keith Norton announced that a Board of Inquiry decision released yesterday on human rights complaints against the Barrie YMCA makes it clear that facilities such as the YMCA must provide equal services to men and women.

4. Commission releases revised policies

   Toronto - The Ontario Human Rights Commission today released two revised policies. The Commission's Policy on Drug and Alcohol Testing has been updated to reflect the Ontario Court of Appeal's recent decision in Entrop v. Imperial Oil Ltd., a human rights complaint involving the introduction of a workplace policy requiring employees in safety-sensitive positions to disclose a past or current substance abuse problem. In this case, although the problem had occurred eight years earlier and there had been no further incident of substance abuse, the employee was immediately reassigned to another position. The employee subsequently filed a human rights complaint alleging discrimination because of a handicap.

5. Policy on preventing sexual and gender-based harassment

   May 2013 - Sexual harassment is a form of discrimination based on sex. The Ontario Human Rights Code (the Code) prohibits all forms of discrimination based on sex, and includes provisions that focus on sexual harassment. The principles set out in this policy will, depending on the circumstances, apply to instances of sexual harassment in any of the social areas covered by the Code. However, to reflect the most important recent developments in the law and in social science research, this policy will focus on the areas of employment, housing and education.

6. Restrictions of facilities by sex

   From: Guide to your rights and responsibilities under the Human Rights Code

   This section allows separate washrooms, examination areas, change rooms and other services that are men-only or women-only. Trans people should be provided access to facilities that are consistent with their lived gender identity.[34]

   ---

   [34] For more information, see the OHRC’s Policy on discrimination and harassment because of gender identity (2000).

7. Recreational clubs

   From: Guide to your rights and responsibilities under the Human Rights Code

   Recreational clubs such as sports clubs may give different services or charge different fees to persons based on sex, marital status or family status. For example, special family rates in a community centre or women-only sections of a gym are permitted under the Code.

8. Updated Policy on preventing discrimination because of pregnancy and breastfeeding

   Toronto – The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) released an updated version of its Policy on preventing discrimination because of pregnancy and breastfeeding in an eLaunch today.

   An hour-long webinar – available at www.ohrc.on.ca – provides an overview of the policy, offers a Q&A opportunity, and features several speakers.

9. Sexual Harassment and the Ontario Human Rights Code

   Recent events have triggered a nationwide discussion about the continued occurrence of sexual harassment and violence against women throughout Canadian society. Sexual harassment is against the law. The Ontario Human Rights Code Code prohibits sexual harassment in employment (and in services, housing, and other “social areas”).

10. What do I do if I’m being sexually harassed?

    If you think you are being sexually harassed, start keeping a written record of events...

Pages