Media Advisory

June 11, 2002

Supreme Court of Canada to Hear Surrey Book Banning Case

Tomorrow, on Wednesday June 12th, the Supreme Court of Canada will hear the landmark case of James Chamberlain, et al. v. The Board of Trustees of School District # 36 (Surrey) (B.C.). This case involves a challenge to the Surrey School Board’s decision to ban from the classroom three children’s books portraying children with same-sex parents.

Egale Canada, a national organization which advocates equality and justice for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people and their families across Canada, will be intervening in support of the challenge. Egale will argue that the School Board’s banning of the books violates the right of children with same-sex parents or family-members to see their reality reflected in the curriculum, and contributes to the invisibility and marginalisation of those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered.

We will hold a press conference prior to the start of the hearing. Representatives of the parties, of Egale and of PFLAG will be available to answer questions from the media.

For further information:
John Fisher, Executive Director, Egale
Office (613) 230-1043; Cell (613) 291-5187

Egale Canada ©2011

Égale Canada est l'organisme national de défense des droits des personnes LGBT, voué à la promotion de l'égalité, de la diversité, de l'éducation et de la justice.