GS.13: Deep Dive – 2SLGBTQIA+ Legal precedent

Approximate reading time: 1 minute

In Canada, a notable case that reflects the complexities and challenges faced by the 2SLGBTQIA+ community is that of Delwin Vriend. In 1998, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled in “Vriend v. Alberta” that the exclusion of sexual orientation from the Alberta Individual Rights Protection Act was unconstitutional. This landmark case arose after Vriend, a teacher in Alberta, was fired for being gay. His case highlighted the need for explicit protection of 2SLGBTQIA+ rights in Canadian law. The ruling was a significant step towards ensuring equality and non-discrimination for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Canada. It set a precedent for including sexual orientation as a protected ground against discrimination, influencing subsequent human rights policies and legislation across the country.

This example illustrates the ongoing struggle for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights and the impact of legal advocacy in advancing these rights in Canada.