Posted: April 28, 2004 8:18 pm. ET
(Ottawa) The Canadian government passed legislation Wednesday to include sexuality in the country's hate-crimes law but the gay politician who introduced the measure was not around to savor the victory.
Physical attacks based on sexuality are already illegal in Canada, but, until now gays were not including in a separate act that protects minorities against "promotion of hate" speech.
That the bill ever made it to the floor of the House of Commons was something of a miracle. The legislation was not proposed by the government, but came as a Private Members Bill by New Democrat Svend Robinson. That it was passed by the Commons was considered nothing short of a miracle.
But, Robinson remained in seclusion Wednesday following his announcement he would not seek re-election after a shoplifting scandal involving an expensive engagement ring he wanted to give his longtime boyfriend. (story)
The Senate Wednesday gave final approval to the measure. Throughout its march toward passage the legislation was the subject of heated debate in Parliament and the focus of intense criticism and lobbying by conservative religious groups that maintained it would prevent them from preaching homosexuality is wrong.
The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police and the Canadian Professional Police Association supported the bill.
Under the new law people who incite violence against gays and lesbians would be subject to fines or imprisonment.
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