What a pleasant surprise to hear that the House of Commons gave third reading to an opposition bill, C-279, that would include gender identity as an aggravating circumstance in determining if a criminal act was motivated by hate and therefore deserved an extended sentence. More astonishing is that 18 Conservatives, including 4 ministers (John Baird, Jim Flaherty, Lisa Raitt and James Moore), broke ranks from the party and voted against the Whip. C-279 is simple enough and does nothing more than add to the already existing suspect classes -- race, national or ethnic origin, language, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, or mental or physical ability. This is a no brainer piece of legislation and the Senate would be wise to pass it as soon as possible.
Not too surprised Harper voted against. We all know who butters his bread. And Rob Anders calling it the "bathroom bill" and a licence for pedophiles? Give me a break.
But I am angered that Justin Trudeau couldn't even be bothered to show up. Not even to "pair" with another member (i.e. abstaining). If this is a future Prime Minister, then he lost much of what little respect I had for him in the first place. You are not your father's son, sir. Even Alexandre and Sarah have more common sense than you. Would it have been so hard to take one hour out of your tour to show up into the House on a matter of principle? Shame on you!
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