Transgender community goes face-to-face with pastor opposing parts of Bill C-16

Advocates of a federal bill that would make it illegal to discriminate against gender identity showed up on the doorstep of a New Westminster church to debate a pastor who has led a campaign that opposes sections of Bill C-16.

The bill, currently before parliament, would amend the Human Rights Act making it illegal to discriminate against gender identity and expression.

The bill includes housing and employment equity, but Pastor Paul Dirks is worried Bill C-16 will make people vulnerable if all genders are allowed to use the same showers, locker rooms, rape shelters and camp cabins.

Watch as Dirks is confronted by protesters:

Protesters confront Pastor Paul Dirks over Bill C-16

8 years ago

Duration 0:44

Dirks has led campaign against parts of the gender equality bill that he says will make some people vulnerable.

"My position is there are all sorts of women who need to feel protected," he said Sunday as he faced-off withprotesters across the street from his New West Community Church at 322 Hospital Street.

"Our campaign doesn't say trans-people are a risk to anybody, it's saying predators are going to take advantage."

Protesters Candice Boer said many have been waiting their whole lives for something like Bill C-16.

"I want to be counted as one person who is opposing hatred," said Boer, who attended the protest.

Dirks, who as part of the campaign put up posters in Vancouver's West End with the message, 'woman means something,' staunchly defended his positionon Sunday despite more than a dozen protesters.

Anglican priest Laurel Dykstra, who has trangender people in her congregation, said Bill C-16needs support.

"I think that Bill C-16absolutely guarantees rights that people need and deserve and I am honoured to be here to speak and to stand for trans-rights," she said.

Asfor Dirks, she believes he is distorting faith and religion with his campaign.

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with files from Deborah Goble.