COVER SEX CHANGES

ONTARIO HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION RECOMMENDS COVERING SEX CHANGES

TORONTO, Oct 25, 1999 (LSN.ca) - A discussion paper issued this month by the Ontario Human Rights Commission calls for health insurance coverage to be reinstated for sex-change operations, for transsexual men to be able to use women's washrooms and change rooms, and recommends recognition of marriage for transsexual couples. Toward a Commission Policy on Gender Identity is extreme in its divergence from public values and yet is published by a provincial government agency.

The report notes that the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) paid for sex-change operations from 1970 to 1998 and laments that the operations were delisted thereafter. "The removal of OHIP coverage is unfortunate," says the report. "It is hoped that, in consultation with medical professionals who work in this very complex field, the Ministry of Health will reconsider its position."

In regards to "gender-segregated services" including "washrooms, change rooms," "sex segregated institutions, such as corrections facilities," and "women's shelter services," the Commission urges that "transgendered people should be accepted in the facilities designated for their felt gender."

Pushing recognition of marriage for transsexuals the Commission notes "if same sex marriage gains legal recognition it may go a long way toward resolving the marriage issue." The Human rights commission is directed by PC appointed homosexual activist Keith Norton.

For the Commission's full discussion paper see:

http://www.ohrc.on.ca/english/Discussion/genderid.htm