MP calls for expanded hate-crime laws

Burnaby-Douglas MP Bill Siksay is calling for transgender and transsexual people to be protected under Canadian hate crime laws.

The NDP MP introduced a bill Tuesday that would add gender identify to the hate crime section of Canada's Criminal Code. The bill would also see hate directed at these people as an aggravating factor when someone is convicted of assault, damage to property and harassment.

"Transgender and transsexual people are regularly victims of abuse, harassment and physical violence," Siksay said in a news release.

"This bill will ensure transphobic violence. ... is clearly identified as a hate crime."

Siksay, who is the NDP spokesperson for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transsgender and transsexual Issues, has tabled another bill that would add gender identity and gender expression as prohibited grounds of discrimination in Canada's human rights act.