Conservative MP Rob Anders under fire for petition drive over transgendered bill

OTTAWA – The New Democrats are blasting a Conservative MP for attacking a private member’s bill that would give the transgendered greater protection under human rights law.

Rob Anders has posted a note on his website that says the bill would give transgendered men access to women’s public washrooms.

The Calgary MP is inviting Canadians to sign a petition urging MPs to vote against the bill.

His website says it’s the duty of the House of Commons to safeguard children fromexposure to giving a man access to women’s washrooms.

The New Democrat MP behind the private members bill, Randall Garrison, says Anders’ petition is based on “ignorance, misinformation, and fear.”

The Victoria MP issued a statement Thursday saying his bill would only amend the Canadian Human Rights Code and hate crime laws to protect the transgendered.

It is not about access to bathrooms, Garrison said.

“Unfortunately this is what we have come to expect from Mr. Anders. Perhaps it is time for his weekly apology,” said Garrison.

It’s the second time in a week that Anders has come under fire.

He apologized after saying that NDP Leader Tom Mulcair helped hasten the death of his predecessor Jack Layton a few months after the last federal election.

Anders claimed Mulcair was making it obvious before the last federal election that if Layton wasn’t well enough to campaign he should step aside.