Best Same Sex & LGBT Lawyers in Canada

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Beausejour, Canada

English
Wasylin Law Office, located in Beausejour, Manitoba, is a family-run firm with nearly 50 years of combined experience in Family Law, Real Estate Transactions, Criminal Law, and Wills & Estates. The father-and-son team is dedicated to serving the community with integrity and compassion, offering...

English
Monteith Ritsma Phillips Professional Corporation, located in Mitchell, Ontario, has been serving the communities of Southwestern Ontario since 1849. The firm offers a comprehensive range of legal services, including corporate and commercial business law, estates, wills and trusts, family law,...
Calgary, Canada

Founded in 2020
1 person in their team
English
JKB Law is a Calgary-based boutique law firm led by Jasreet Kaur Badyal, concentrating on Family and Divorce Law and Residential Real Estate Transactions within Alberta. The practice emphasizes transparent, accessible, and inclusive legal services, guiding clients through complex processes and...
Burnaby, Canada

English
ATAC LAW Corp., based in British Columbia, is a full-service law firm renowned for its comprehensive legal expertise across multiple practice areas, including civil and commercial litigation, construction law, employment law, estate litigation, family law, insurance law, mediation services,...
Munro & Crawford
Vancouver, Canada

Founded in 1952
English
Munro & Crawford is a Vancouver based law firm with a long standing tradition of practical, client focused legal service. Established as a neighbourhood law office, the firm understands the changing needs of clients across generations and has built a reputation for reliability and accessible...

Founded in 1939
English
Matlow, Miller, Cummins, Thrasher LLP, established in 1939, is the oldest independent law firm in Cambridge, Ontario, providing comprehensive legal services throughout Southwestern Ontario. The firm's team of experienced professionals offers expertise across various practice areas, including...
Oliver & Co
Williams Lake, Canada

Founded in 1975
English
Oliver & Co is a distinguished law firm in Canada, renowned for its expertise across multiple legal domains, including estate planning, family law, personal injury, and real estate. With a meticulous approach to legal services, the firm provides tailored solutions that address the unique needs of...
Waseer Lawyers LLP
London, Canada

English
Waseer Lawyers LLP, based in London, Ontario, offers comprehensive legal services in immigration, real estate, family law, and wills and estates. The firm is led by Zia Waseer, a dual-qualified Barrister and Solicitor in Ontario and a Solicitor in England and Wales, with over 15 years of focused...

English
Carnegie Law Group, led by Managing Member Karen Robins Carnegie, offers comprehensive legal services across Virginia and North Carolina, focusing on estate planning, probate, real estate law, and business law. The firm assists clients with tailored estate plans, including trusts, wills, and powers...
Bell & Stock Family Law
Calgary, Canada

Founded in 2008
7 people in their team
English
Bell and Stock Family Law LLP is a Calgary-based boutique law firm that focuses exclusively on family law matters, including divorce, parenting disputes, and matrimonial property division. The practice is known for its client-centered service and practical resolutions, drawing on experience in...
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About Same Sex & LGBT Law in Canada

Canada is widely recognized for its progressive stance on LGBT rights. Over the past decades, significant legal advancements have been made to ensure equality and protection for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals. Key milestones include the decriminalization of same-sex sexual activities in 1969, the introduction of anti-discrimination laws in the 1990s, and the legalization of same-sex marriage in 2005. Canadian law grants LGBT individuals the same rights and responsibilities as their heterosexual counterparts, promoting a society that values diversity and inclusivity.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Even in a progressive legal environment, there are several situations where individuals may require legal assistance to navigate Same Sex & LGBT issues:

  • Marriage and Family Law: Legal complexities can arise around marriage, adoption, and surrogacy for same-sex couples.
  • Discrimination cases: If you experience discrimination at work, housing, or public services based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
  • Immigration services: Assistance with immigration cases where sexual orientation or gender identity is a pertinent issue.
  • Name and Gender Marker Changes: Legal support to change name and gender marker on government documents.
  • Estate Planning: Ensuring that wills, trusts, and other estate planning tools reflect and protect same-sex relationships.

Local Laws Overview

Canada's legal framework for LGBT rights is comprehensive and includes protections against discrimination and harassment. Some key aspects include:

  • Samesex Marriage: Legal nationwide since 2005, allowing equal marriage rights irrespective of gender.
  • Human Rights Protections: Sexual orientation and gender identity are protected under the Canadian Human Rights Act, prohibiting discrimination across federally regulated domains.
  • Adoption and Parenting: Laws in Canada allow for joint adoption by same-sex couples and second-parent adoption.
  • Hate Speech and Crimes: Harsher penalties exist for crimes motivated by bias, prejudice or hate based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
  • Gender Identity and Expression: Legal recognition and protection of gender identity and expression through updated ID documentation and related rights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can same-sex couples get married in Canada?

Yes, same-sex marriage has been legal across Canada since 2005.

Is discrimination based on sexual orientation illegal in the workplace?

Yes, both federal and provincial human rights laws prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation in the workplace.

Can same-sex couples adopt children in Canada?

Yes, same-sex couples can legally adopt children across Canada, including joint adoption.

What steps do I need to take to change my legal gender on official documents?

To change your legal gender, you need to provide specific documentation, which varies by province. A lawyer can guide you through the process.

Is there protection against hate speech for LGBT individuals?

Yes, the Canadian Criminal Code provides protection by criminalizing hate speech targeting any group based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

Does Canada grant asylum to LGBT refugees?

Canada acknowledges persecution based on sexual orientation and gender identity as valid grounds for asylum. Legal assistance can enhance the chances of a successful claim.

How do succession laws affect same-sex couples?

Same-sex couples have the same rights as opposite-sex couples regarding inheritance and estate planning since the legalization of same-sex marriage.

Are there protections for transgender rights in Canada?

Yes, there are robust protections for transgender rights, encompassing anti-discrimination measures and support for gender identity and expression in many sectors.

Can LGBT individuals serve openly in the Canadian Armed Forces?

Yes, there is no mistreatment or discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in the Canadian Armed Forces.

What should I do if I face LGBT discrimination?

Consider filing a complaint with the respective Human Rights Commission and seek the advice of a lawyer to understand your rights and options.

Additional Resources

If you are seeking support or information, consider these resources:

  • Egale Canada: An organization that promotes LGBT human rights through research, education, and community engagement.
  • The 519 Community Centre: Focuses on health and social services for the LGBT community in Toronto.
  • Rainbow Refugee: Supports LGBT asylum seekers in Canada.
  • Local Human Rights Commissions: Offers assistance and advice on human rights issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity.

Next Steps

If you believe you need legal assistance, it’s important to:

  • Consult a Lawyer: Reach out to an attorney specializing in LGBT law to get tailored advice for your case.
  • Document Everything: Keep detailed records of any incidents or situations where legal rights might have been breached.
  • Know Your Rights: Stay informed about your legal rights under federal and provincial laws.
  • Reach Out to Support Groups: Connect with local or national LGBT organizations for guidance and support.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Canada through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Same Sex & LGBT, experience, and client feedback.

Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters.

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Disclaimer:

The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation.

We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.

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