Manitoba Adds Gender Expression Protection to The Human Rights Code

Summary

Manitoba has amended The Human Rights Code to add gender expression as a protected characteristic, strengthening protections against discrimination. The update clarifies that individuals are legally protected not only for their gender identity but also for how they express their gender in workplaces, housing, and public services.

Post

Manitoba has updated The Human Rights Code to include gender expression as a protected characteristic, strengthening protections against discrimination across the province. This change means individuals are legally protected from discrimination based on how they present or express their gender, including clothing, appearance, behaviour, or other forms of gender expression.

The amendment builds on existing human rights protections in Manitoba. Prior to this change, the Code already protected individuals from discrimination based on gender identity, but the addition of gender expression clarifies that protections also extend to how a person outwardly expresses their gender. In practical terms, this affects workplaces, housing providers, service providers, and other organizations governed by the Code.

For employers and organizations, the change reinforces the importance of maintaining inclusive policies and respectful workplace environments. Human rights protections in Manitoba apply to employment practices, accommodation, services available to the public, and other areas covered by the Code.

Although many organizations already treat gender expression as part of broader gender identity protections, this amendment removes ambiguity by explicitly recognizing it within the legislation. This makes Manitoba’s human rights protections clearer and more consistent with evolving human rights standards across Canada.

Organizations may want to review internal policies, workplace training, and harassment or discrimination procedures to ensure they reflect the updated language of the Code and continue to support inclusive environments.

References

Manitoba Legislative Assembly, The Human Rights Code, C.C.S.M. c. H175 (current consolidated version).

Manitoba Legislative Assembly, Bill introducing gender expression as a protected characteristic under The Human Rights Code.

Manitoba Human Rights Commission – Information on protected characteristics under the Code.