Department of Justice

CANADIAN HUMAN RIGHTS ACT AMENDMENT
COMES INTO FORCE

OTTAWA, June 21, 1996 -- The Canadian Human Rights Act (CHRA) amendment adding sexual orientation as a prohibited ground of discrimination, yesterday received Royal Assent and came into effect.

The Canadian Human Rights Act applies to employment in, and the provision of goods and services by, the federal government and federally regulated businesses such as banks and airlines.

Ref.:    Jennifer Lang             Stephen Sharzer
         Minister's Office         Human Rights Law Section
         (613) 992-4621            Department of Justice
                                   (613) 957-4940