The Quebec LGBT Council Warns of a Potential Rollback of Rights
Quebec LGBT Council Warns of a Potential Rollback
Concern Ahead of the Gender Identity Report
With the expert committee on gender identity set to release its report by the end of the month, the Quebec LGBT Council is voicing serious concerns. Executive Director James Galantino insists on the need to protect existing rights: "We expect no rollback of our rights and no reduction in access to services," he states with concern.
A Rising Climate of Intolerance
Despite Minister Suzanne Roy’s assurances that existing rights would not be questioned, increasing hate speech and intolerance are raising alarms. Galantino points out that some public statements in Canada mirror rhetoric heard in the United States, where trans rights have faced major setbacks under the Trump administration.
"Even in Canada, in public and political spaces, we hear things that worry us and echo what is happening in the U.S. [...] Over there, trans people have been legally erased." – James Galantino
During Trump’s presidency, policies were introduced that restricted legal recognition for transgender individuals, including the elimination of non-binary passports and the exclusion of trans people from the military.
Exclusion from the Decision-Making Process
The Quebec LGBT Council criticizes the fact that it had no say in the composition of the expert committee, appointed by the Legault government in December 2023. The panel includes Diane Lavallée, former president of the Council on the Status of Women, alongside Dr. Jean-Bernard Trudeau, a former healthcare administrator, and human rights expert Patrick Taillon.
Although the committee has consulted the Quebec LGBT Council, Galantino regrets that no LGBTQ+ representatives were included in the panel. He remains uncertain about the report’s final recommendations but acknowledges that discussions over the past months have been productive.
The committee was established following protests and counter-protests in 2023 over the teaching of gender identity in schools. One controversy that sparked debate was a Rouyn-Noranda school’s decision to introduce gender-neutral restrooms, which led to mixed reactions.
Barriers to Healthcare Access
Galantino warns that the situation for trans and non-binary individuals has worsened since the committee’s creation, particularly in terms of accessing essential medical care.
"Our biggest concerns are about access to healthcare, hormone therapy, and surgery. In Quebec, it's practically nonexistent. This is the most at risk, especially for minors." – James Galantino
He argues that many doctors in Quebec either feel uncomfortable or lack the necessary training to provide care for trans patients. The current social climate, he fears, may further discourage medical professionals from specializing in this area.
To prevent further setbacks, he urges the government and the expert committee to ensure that the final report does not open the door to potential restrictions on LGBTQ+ rights.
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