Section
National SOGIC Forum
Date
April 30, 2016
Location
Ontario Bar Association, Toronto, ON
Submitted by
BC Branch Representative: Matthew T. Ostrow
Report
The recent SOGIC Forum national in person meeting with another great opportunity for dedicated colleagues from across the country to come together to discuss LGBTQ* legal issues and issues which matter to LGBTQ* members of our profession.
On April 28, we enjoyed an insightful CPD presentation on LGBTQ rights in the Canadian military, conflict zones and in refugee claims. Our speakers for this interesting panel discussion were Prof. Kyle Kirkup from the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law, Col. Michel Drapeau, Ph.D. candidate Pascal Levesque and Adrienne Smith of Jordan Battista LLP.
On April 29, we had a full agenda and an engaging meeting. Highlights from the agenda included:
- Criminalization of non-disclosure of HIV status
- The Criminal Code provisions on the prohibition on anal sex
- Update on C-204 Gender Identity and Expression bill in the federal parliament
- Updates on the CBA's intervention in Nova Scotia's TWU case and its upcoming intervention in the Ontario case
- Reports from the various branches across the country on developments and events in each branch and discussion surrounding the location of next year's National meeting
- Discussion around the SOGIC's Hero and Ally awards and a call for nominations
- Opportunities for SOGIC to put together CPD presentations, especially in Ottawa where there is no SOGIC presence currently
Following the meeting, the participants bonded over dinner and a night on the town. As always, SOGIC meetings mix a full agenda with some fun.
For further details on items discussed at the meeting, please contact Co-Chair, Matthew Ostrow.