Tory MP grilled over transgender bill petition

Conservative MP Rob Anders has sparked controversy once again, by launching a petition against a bill to protect transgender rights.

In a petition posted on his website, he dubs Bill C-279 the “bathroom bill,” saying its “goal 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 states.

In fact, Bill C-279 aims to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Criminal Code to prevent discrimination based on gender identity or gender expression.

The bill does not mention bathrooms and supporters say it contains nothing that would change current laws against voyeurism.

“What’s most offensive about his petition is that he equates transgendered people with sex offenders and pedophiles,” said Randall Garrison, the New Democrat MP who introduced the bill.

“This petition is obviously based on ignorance, misinformation and fear, but that’s unfortunately what we’ve come to expect from Mr. Anders.”

Earlier this week, Anders apologized for saying NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair hastened Jack Layton’s death by pushing him into another federal election.

“It’s probably time for another retraction and apology,” Garrison said.

Transgender advocates were outraged by the petition, including Helen Kennedy, executive director of national LGBT rights organization Egale Canada.

“Does Rob Anders use the same washroom as his family at home?” she asked.

She pointed out that Anders had his language wrong — a “transgendered man” indicates a female-tomale transgendered person.

“He obviously needs help. It’s so flawed even in how it’s presented,” she said. Public washrooms are stressful places for many transgendered people, she said.

Anders’s website does not indicate how many people have signed the petition. He did not respond to interview requests from the Star.

Bill C-279 passed a second reading in June and is set to go to a standing committee.