A petition with almost 30,000 signatures is calling on the Canadian government to allow transgender and non-binary people to claim asylum in the country due to what it deems “eliminationist laws” in their home countries, including so-called safe Western democracies.
The petition specifically cites the UK, where Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is reportedly considering removing protections for trans people from the Equality Act, and the US, where more than a dozen states have enacted or are considering anti-trans legislation.
“We, the undersigned residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to extend to transgender and non-binary people the right to claim asylum in Canada by reason of eliminationist laws in their home countries,” the petition states.
It also mentions the United States, highlighting that more than a dozen states have enacted or are in the process of considering anti-trans legislation, with US legislative researchers finding that at least 301 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been proposed there since the start of the year.
Initiated by Ontario resident Caitlin Glasson, the petition passed the 500-signature threshold required for a government response within two hours and will be open for signatures until 26 May.
Last Updated on Feb 20, 2023
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