Bill C-66, An Act to establish a procedure for expunging certain historically unjust convictions and to make related amendments to other Acts, is a long-overdue effort by the Government of Canada to correct the historical, systemic oppression of gender and sexual minorities. In its current form, Bill C-66 is fundamentally flawed. This bill was drafted and passed by the House of Commons without consultation with LGBTQI2S+ communities—the very people it is ostensibly meant to assist. Despite warnings to this effect, the Senate seems determined to adopt this bill without proposing critical amendments.
When the Senate Standing Committee on Human Rights continues its review of the bill on Wednesday, May 2, we, the undersigned members and organizations of the LGBTQI2S+ community, urge the Senate to introduce amendments to the bill.