There are two new prohibited grounds for discrimination in New Brunswick after amendments to the Human Rights Act.
People now cannot be discriminated against because of their family status and gender identity or expression according to the Chair of the New Brunswick Human Rights Commission.
Nathalie Chiasson says the concepts of family and gender identity or expression have changed greatly over the years and it is imperative the Human Rights Act reflects this changing reality.
Individuals who care for family members will welcome the “family status” addition, says Chiasson, because there is now a mechanism to protect them from discrimination arising from their commitment to the well-being of loved ones.
Chiasson says the addition of “gender identity or expression” as a prohibited ground for discrimination will provide inclusive protection for the transgender, bisexual, transsexual and intersex people of New Brunswick.
She adds the Act had not been thoroughly reviewed in more than a quarter of a century.
Chiasson says the amendments will also improve the commission’s ability to investigate and resolve complaints.
