Here is the official transcript of the introduction of the ISCWR to the Alberta Legislative Assembly by the Honorable Rachel Notley, NDP. Following is the transcript of remarks made during Question Period with regards to the lack of laws protecing the GLBT community for discrimination.

2008-11-19 13:15:00

Alberta Hansard

Ms Notley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This past Sunday was United Nations International Day of Tolerance, a day that recognizes the universal human rights and fundamental freedoms of others.

Today I am very pleased to introduce to you and through you to this Assembly six members from Imperial Sovereign Court of the Wild Rose. The ISCWR, informally known as the court, has been promoting and building awareness and acceptance of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered community while raising tens of thousands of dollars each year in support of local charities, which provide services to or foster accepting attitudes of the GLBT community.

The Edmonton court consists of an empress and emperor, who are elected by members of the community and act as figureheads of the organization, goodwill ambassadors in the community, spearheading charitable fundraising efforts, and representing the city of Edmonton and the province of Alberta throughout North America.

I would now ask that my guests rise as I call their names: Dale Newby; Doug Solahub; Antonio Bavaro; Barry Woodroff; Dale Krasowski, a.k.a his most imperial and sovereign majesty emperor 33, Sundance Lonestar; and Marcel Panas, a.k.a. her most imperial and sovereign majesty empress 33 Marni Gras.

Mr. Speaker, I would ask that we all now offer the traditional warm welcome of this Assembly.

Tories ignore Human Rights Protection

MLA Notley asks pointed questions to the Minister on Human Rights Legislation.

Mr. Blackett: Well, Mr. Speaker, I don't know how many ways I can say it. I said it so many times, maybe I'll say it in a language that they'll understand: nyet.

Ms Notley: Well, that was great. I was pleased to learn that Camp fYrefly, a camp for sexual- minority youth, received funding from the Minister of Children and Youth Services, and - wait for it - I'd like to commend the minister for funding an organization that is committed to stopping oppression and marginalization and helping youth find strength through times of cruelty. To the Minister of Culture and Community Spirit. Given that this government acknowledges that children deserve a kids camp free of homophobia, doesn't he also believe they deserve a province free of homophobia?

Mr. Blackett: Mr. Speaker, I don't know how many times we have to say it. We have a province where we have a Human Rights and Citizenship Commission that states through the Supreme Court judgment that people that are gay or lesbian will not be discriminated against. If they want to go and lodge a complaint before the commission, they are free to do so. Our website, all our documentation states they are free to do so and we will operate in a province free ofdiscrimination against people on the basis of racial discrimination. We are going through a review as I've mentioned umpteen times in this House. When we get through the review...

The Speaker: The hon. member. [interjections] The hon. member has the floor.

Ms Notley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On one hand we tell kids to expect equality on the basis of sexual orientation, yet on the other this minister will not act to stop the inherent slap in the face which is the absence of that protection from the human rights code. Now, I would like to commend the Minister of Education, though, for combating homophobia in secondary schools through the safe and caring schools initiative. To the minister of culture.

At least some of the cabinet understands that homophobia does not belong in schools. Shouldn't we be willing to hold the rest of society and the rest of us to the same standard?

Mr. Blackett: Well, you know what, Mr. Speaker? In our party we have one native, we have four Sikh, we have two Chinese, we have two Caribbean, and we have somebody from the Philippines . We understand diversity. We understand it for all. We have a multicultural education fund that goes out and helps educate. We fund organizations, including gay, lesbian, trans-sexual, transgendered individuals on education of their rights and promoting equality for all Albertans.

View the introduction. at time: 18:36