City should fly transgender pride flag after human rights case: councillor

A Hamilton councillor will pushfor the city to fly the transgender pride flag in June after the city settled a human rights case with a transgender woman this week.

Aidan Johnson, Ward 1 councillor, will call for a vote to fly the flag at city hall during Pride Week alongside the rainbow flag, which symbolizes LGBTQ pride. The transgender flag, which is pink, blue and white, is a symbol specifically for transgender pride.

Johnson says he was prompted to make the move after the city settled an Ontario Human Rights Tribunal case with a transgender woman this week.

The woman was denied access to the women's washroom at the MacNab bus terminal. Aguard ordered her to use the family washroom instead.

They're wrong, so I'm happy doing the right thing.- Coun.Aidan Johnson

A claim was filed with the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal not long after the October 2014 incident.

• Hamilton settles human rights complaint with transgender woman

Under the settlement, the city will incorporate principles set out by the Ontario Human Rights Code into its policies, and train employees about discrimination around gender identity, not just sexual orientation. It will also post signs confirming its commitment to safe and accessible washrooms for all.

"Taking legal action doesn't make the pain go away, but I hope employees will be more aware and respectful in the future," said the applicant in a statement. The woman was not named to protect her privacy.

Johnson,a human rights lawyer,was pleased with the outcome.

Since the case was in the media, he said, he's heard from concernedtransgender constituents.

"The case begs the question about what the city's obligations are to the transgender community," said Johnson.

"One thing we can do in the short term is acquire that flag and send out the message."

"Symbols matter."

• North Carolina rallies held for and against bill on transgender bathrooms

He's also heard from people who aren't in favour of transgender rights."However, they're wrong, so I'm happy doing the right thing."

Johnson will present a motion at Wednesday's city council meeting.

The move comes at a time when transgenderrights are at the forefront in North Carolina. Rallies began Monday outside the statehouse surrounding the recently passed House Bill 2, or HB2, which dictates that transgender people must use multi-stall restrooms that align with their biological sex.

Opponents and supporters of the bill held a day of rallies on Monday. Opponents discussed plans for future mass sit-ins, whileChristian conservatives and other backers of the law rallied on another nearby plaza.