Media Advisory

October 31, 1997

Supreme Court of Canada to Hear Challenge to Alberta’s Refusal to Protect Gays, Lesbians from Discrimination

The Supreme Court of Canada is about to begin hearings in the case of Vriend v Alberta - a constitutional challenge to Alberta’s refusal to protect gays and lesbians from discrimination.

Speaking at the Press Conference will be:

• Delwin Vriend, Appellant
• Andrew Gagnon, his partner
• Murray Billett, GALA (Gay and Lesbian Awareness Society of Edmonton)
• John Fisher, Executive Director, EGALE
• Ms. T, the lesbian foster mother from Alberta who has been denied the right to foster children by the Alberta Government

The hearing before the Supreme Court of Canada will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 4 and will continue on Wednesday, November 5.

Delwin Vriend was fired from his teaching position for being gay. Unable to bring a human rights complaint because Alberta’s human rights legislation does not prohibit “sexual orientation” discrimination, he is asking the Supreme Court of Canada to extend Alberta’s human rights legislation to protect gays and lesbians. Numerous groups and intervenors are supporting Delwin Vriend’s appeal, including GALA- the Gay and Lesbian Awareness Society of Edmonton, EGALE and the Federal Government. The Province of Ontario is joining with Alberta in opposing the appeal.

The speakers from Alberta will be arriving at 2:37 pm on Saturday, November 1 (Air Canada flt 104), and will also be available for interviews throughout the weekend (contact c/o EGALE office: 230-1043).

For further information:
John Fisher, EGALE, (613) 230-1043

Egale Canada ©2011

Canada's LGBT human rights organization: advancing equality, diversity, education, and justice.