Collaborative Proposal Creation
Create, improve and sponsor proposals in a respectful, fully bilingual environment. Grow proposals in the "Hothouse", for promotion to the "Workshop", to become official GPC policy.
Update to G16-P011: Recognition of Trans and Non-Binary People and Respecting Gender Identity and Expression
The Green Party of Canada recognizes that: trans men are men; trans women are women; there are many gender identities and expressions within, and outside of, the traditional gender binary of man and woman; a gender spectrum exists and is valid; and that gender identity, expression and chosen pronouns are to be respected.
Type of Proposal
Public policy that the party would represent
Objective / Benefit
This policy is drafted to bring us in line with our fellow Greens across the world to formally clarify our support for non-binary and trans Canadians and those with gender identities beyond the traditional identities of man and woman. Inspired by updates to the Green Party of England and Wales’ policy documentation and as a response to growing transphobia in Canada and elsewhere.
If your proposal replaces an existing policy or policies, which one does it replace?
This policy does not replace, but updates, an existing policy: G16-P011 - Advancing the Equality of LGBTQ+ Canadians
List any supporting evidence for your proposal
Green Party of England and Wales' Rights and Responsibilities (under Trans Rights): https://policy.greenparty.org.uk/our-policies/long-term-goals/rights-and-responsibilities/
Does this proposal affect any particular group and what efforts have been made to consult with the group or groups?
This proposal is designed to positively push for formal recognition of trans and non-binary people by the Green Party of Canada, and to instill formal recognition of gender identity. No direct contact has been made as of writing this proposal on August 5th, but the time crunch for proposals to gain sponsors leads me to put this out first and field consultation following, which may lead to further updates.
Jurisdiction: Is this proposal under federal jurisdiction?
Yes
Please indicate the language the proposal is being submitted in.
English
This proposal is being evaluated
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Conversation with Shel Goldstein
STRONG DISSENT: Deleting the statement “trans men are men; trans women are women" does not change the intent of the proposal. I strongly urge it to be deleted, as it would make the proposal much stronger, less provocative, and thereby more acceptable to the voting public. PLEASE, membership, send this proposal back to Workshop to be adjusted, or DEFEAT it entirely. GPC Candidates do not need the hassle of debating this "claim" during election campaign. Within the given time limit I had weeks ago, submitted a DISSENT to this proposal, with the expectation that it would be here highlighted for all voting members. My DISSENT Statement should be visible for all.
Please explain the omission, send out an email to each voting member with the DISSENT;
better yet, consider postponing Vote on this proposal until the technological error has been corrected. Or is the omission an overruling by some Human ?
📢
I think it’s important to recognize that the statement "trans men are men; trans women are women" is a fundamental aspect of affirming the identities and experiences of transgender individuals. Deleting this statement does not simply make the proposal less provocative; it undermines the core Green principles of respect and inclusion that are essential for fostering an inclusive, mutually supportive environment/society.
While the intent to create a more acceptable proposal for the voting public is understandable, I think sacrificing clarity and affirmation for the sake of political convenience can have detrimental effects on the very marginalized groups we’re trying advocate for here. It's crucial to stand firmly in support of all individuals, regardless of their gender identity, especially in the context of a political/policy proposal like this
Regarding the visibility of dissent statements, of course transparency is vital in any democratic process. All perspectives should be acknowledged and considered, and all members should be informed about dissenting opinions to foster a well-rounded discussion. Rather than postponing the vote due to an omission, I think it would perhaps be more constructive to ensure that all voices are fully heard and that the proposal reflects an explicit commitment to trans inclusion.
Ultimately, the goal should be to create policies that affirm and protect the rights of all individuals, rather than to dilute important statements for the sake of broader acceptance. By standing firm on the truth of gender identity, we can genuinely stick to our principles and work towards a more just, equitable society.
Thanks Blake - totally agree. :)
Shel, depending on your settings and how you are viewing the page, you might see only the most recent/highlights or all comments. They are all still here, if you have selected to see all comments. Nothing has been removed - older comments simply get hidden, if an individual's settings ask for that.
This is an important proposal in the current political climate. Some might not understand the whys - but that creates an opening for education and learning, instead of cause to water down our inclusion.
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