This policy is a complete revision and update of the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s (OHRC’s) original Policy on discrimination and harassment because of gender identity first published in 2000.
In keeping with the Preamble of the Code, this policy aims to:
- Promote recognition of the inherent dignity and worth of trans people
- Provide for equal rights and opportunities without discrimination and harassment because of gender identity and gender expression
- Create a climate of understanding and mutual respect, so that trans people feel they belong in the community and can contribute to it.
The policy promotes understanding and awareness about trans people and their rights. It can help employers, unions and other vocational associations, and housing and service providers understand and meet their legal responsibilities under the Code to prevent and address discrimination based on gender identity and gender expression.
Organizations can also use the policy to support the development of their own training materials and anti-discrimination and harassment policies.
The analysis and many of the examples in this policy are based on research, tribunal and court cases involving gender identity and gender expression, as well as consultations the OHRC undertook with trans people, other individuals and organizations.[11]
See Appendix A for more about the purpose of OHRC policies.
[11] See the OHRC’s consultation backgrounder: Talking about gender identity and expression, available online at www.ohrc.on.ca.