Jackass Conservative MP resorts to bigotry

The National Post:

Calgary MP Rob Anders, known for his contentious public comments, is asking Canadians to oppose transgender rights Bill C-279, dubbed by critics the “Bathroom Bill.”

Sponsored by B.C. NDP MP Randall Garrison, the bill proposes recognizing gender identity and gender expression as groups under Canada’s Criminal Code hate crimes section. It would also offer these individuals protection under the Canadian Human Rights Act.

In a petition posted on his website, Anders says the bill’s aim “is to give transgendered men access to women’s public washroom facilities.”

“[It] is the duty of the House of Commons to protect and safeguard our children from any exposure and harm that will come from giving a man access to women’s public washroom facilities,” the petition reads.

Jan Buterman, a transgender advocate, told the CBC that Anders’ interpretation of the bill is “ludicrous.”

“The suggestion that this is somehow some … conspiracy of trans people to sneak into bathrooms deliberately to harm people it’s ludicrous,” Buterman said.

“Trans people have been using bathrooms all over Canada for decades with, as far as I know, zero evidence of any incidents whatsoever.”

Mr. Anders’ petition shows he misunderstood the bill’s basic concepts, MP Randall Garrison said.

“He obviously missed the fact that similar provisions have been adopted in the [Northwest Territories], Manitoba, and Ontario with none of the absurd consequences he fears. At best Mr. Anders failed to do his homework,” Garrison said in a written statement.

“At worst he is deliberately promoting prejudice against transgender and transsexual Canadians by equating them with sex offenders and pedophiles. As I said it is probably time for another retraction and apology from Mr. Anders.”

Anders was in the news earlier this week for telling news website iPolitics that current NDP leader Thomas Mulcair hastened former NDP leader Jack Layton’s death.

He later issued an apology.

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