Posted on: September 20, 2023
Island Health is aware of the anti-2SLGBTQIA protests and counter-protests that are being planned across Canada on Wednesday, September 20th 2023.
To be clear, Island Health respects the right for 2SLGBTQIA+ people to live in peace, without fear of discrimination, harassment and threat of violence, and recognize that the human rights of the trans and 2SLGBTQIA+ community are not up for debate. Gender identity and expression are protected grounds under the BC Human Rights Code (Bill 27 – 2016: Human Rights Code Amendment Act, 2016) in addition to the existing grounds of sex and sexual orientation. There is no place for transphobia, homophobia or discrimination of any kind in our Island Health community.
Please note, these dangerous, misguided and hate driven campaigns are a concerning matter of safety and public health, not only for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, but for anyone who may be questioning their identity or even for visible and open allies. These rallies are an insult to human dignity, expression and rights for us all. As an organization, we stand against hate and discrimination, and stand in solidarity with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
Please note, any anti-2SLGBTQIA+ messaging or commentary that targets community members will not be tolerated. 2SLGBTQIA+ staff, colleagues and their allies have a right to a work environment free from threat of violence, harassment, embarrassment and discrimination. Patients, families and communities have a right to safe and accessible health care free from threat of violence, harassment, embarrassment and discrimination.