The Canadian Citizenship Guide
Now, that's just plain stupid. Not an oversight; it could hardly be that. And hard to believe that someone as intelligent and as committed to excellence in the performance of the position he administers would overlook its importance. And it is important; the acceptance of gay rights in Canada, and the position of such rights under the law of the land is a matter not to be slighted.
When Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration unveiled Canada's long-overdue new Citizenship Guide for prospective immigrants, it was hailed as a great step forward. And it was, including many issues that people wishing to migrate from their home countries to Canada should be aware of. Aware, primarily, for the purpose of becoming acquainted with the values that Canada holds. The importance, for example of its egalitarian values, and free speech and respect for others' differences.
And Minister Jason Kenney has performed outstandingly well in all parameters of his portfolio; a true credit to his values, reflecting those of most other Canadians. He has demonstrated a willingness to know more about people who emigrate from other countries to Canada, and has taken the trouble to personally involve himself in immigrant communities.
And when he has, alternately, come face to face with prejudices that have no place in this country he has unabashedly condemned them.
So how to explain this "oversight" in not including the status of other-gendered, those for whom mainstream heterosexuality does not reflect their sexual orientation? People wishing to come to Canada to become landed immigrants and eventually citizens should be aware that this is a country that accepts that the rights and entitlements of gays and lesbians, transgendered and others are upheld by the law of the land, and accepted by the greater society.
This is an oversight that clearly requires a re-visit. One that would decide it is quite necessary to include the status and treatment and legality of gay rights and same-sex marriage in Canada in later issues of the new, amended, clarified and socially committed Citizenship Guide.
When Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration unveiled Canada's long-overdue new Citizenship Guide for prospective immigrants, it was hailed as a great step forward. And it was, including many issues that people wishing to migrate from their home countries to Canada should be aware of. Aware, primarily, for the purpose of becoming acquainted with the values that Canada holds. The importance, for example of its egalitarian values, and free speech and respect for others' differences.
And Minister Jason Kenney has performed outstandingly well in all parameters of his portfolio; a true credit to his values, reflecting those of most other Canadians. He has demonstrated a willingness to know more about people who emigrate from other countries to Canada, and has taken the trouble to personally involve himself in immigrant communities.
And when he has, alternately, come face to face with prejudices that have no place in this country he has unabashedly condemned them.
So how to explain this "oversight" in not including the status of other-gendered, those for whom mainstream heterosexuality does not reflect their sexual orientation? People wishing to come to Canada to become landed immigrants and eventually citizens should be aware that this is a country that accepts that the rights and entitlements of gays and lesbians, transgendered and others are upheld by the law of the land, and accepted by the greater society.
This is an oversight that clearly requires a re-visit. One that would decide it is quite necessary to include the status and treatment and legality of gay rights and same-sex marriage in Canada in later issues of the new, amended, clarified and socially committed Citizenship Guide.
Labels: Government of Canada, Justice, Security, Sexism
posted by Pieface | 1:56 PM
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