Dear Editor,
[RE: LETTER – First reading allows MLAs to see bill’s content, March 21, www.mapleridgenews.com]
It’s disappointing that it even needs to be said: human rights are never up for debate.
MLAs are sent to Victoria to pass legislation and debate what they believe is in the best interests of their constituents. That responsibility also includes standing firmly against proposals that would put people in harm’s way.
When Tara Armstrong introduced a bill called ‘Human Rights Code Repeal Act’ into the house that would repeal the BC Human Rights Code – a law that protects people based on disability, religion, race, age and more – it was clear what was at stake.
The BC NDP caucus stood up unanimously to reject an attempt of using hate and division to repeal fundamental protections for people from all walks of life.
The BC Conservatives, including MLA Mok for Maple Ridge East, said that voting this bill down on first reading is bad for democracy – even though he and his party had already voted down two other bills in the same way during the fall session.
Repealing, or even debating the repeal of, the Human Rights Code would not strengthen the democratic process; it would weaken the very protections that allow people to participate.
It was clear from the moment the bill hit the floor – after MLA Armstrong spent two minutes detailing the contents of the bill – that its aim was to strip British Columbians of fundamental rights, and that it had no place in our province.
I want to be clear: my BC NDP colleagues and I will do whatever we can to protect your fundamental freedoms and continue to stand up for the very things that make us proud to be Canadian.
Your human rights will never be up for debate.
Lisa Beare, BC NDP MLA Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows