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from Social Issues
Law Society Promotes New Policy
For Alternate Sexualities
July 12, 2004 - The Law Society of Upper Canada announced in June, 2004,
that it has devised a model policy for businesses to use in dealing with
employees who express alternate forms of sexuality. The policy involves
employers' decisions regarding choice of restrooms, as well as definitions of
appropriate clothing.
Law Society Secretary Frank Marrocco stated: "The courts in Ontario have clearly
recognized the equality rights of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, Two Spirited and
transgender communities - it is very important that the legal profession know
and understand these rights."
The Law Society's 35-page policy manual, "Sexual Orientation And Gender
Identity: Creating An Inclusive Work Environment," defines "transgender person"
as one who rejects his own birth sex.
According to the Law Society, "Two Spirited person" "is a term derived from
interpretations of Aboriginal languages used to describe an individual who has
received the gift of both male and female spirits in their bodies. The concept
Two-Spirited Person relates to today's designation of being a gay, lesbian,
bisexual and transgender person of Aboriginal origins."
The Law Society adapted its definition of "Two-Spirit" person from McGill
University's School of Social Work's "Projet/Project Interaction." The project
described Two Spirit individuals as historically having been revered as
"leaders, mediators, teachers, artists, seers, and spiritual guides."
Their policy suggests that companies with transgendered individuals accommodate
their restroom preferences --either male or female, whichever gender they
consider themselves to be-- and their desire to wear opposite-sex clothing.
Updated: 8 February 2008
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