Canadian Court To Decide If BDSM Is Covered By Non-Discrimination Laws

Looks like someone in Canada is finally getting his day in court to decide if his sexual orientation ground for protection under Canadian non-discrimination laws. The twist (pun intended) is that his sexual orientation is BDSM!

Peter Hayes, who claims he was discriminated against as a pagan who practices a form of sadomasochism will get to take his complaint to a human rights tribunal. Hayes complained to British Columbia's Human Rights Tribunal that he was discriminated against because he is a pagan who practices a "BDSM lifestyle" and deserves protection under the human rights code, based on sexual orientation.

So far the courts are willing to hear the case. The tribunal will decide if the BDSM lifestyle is covered by the country’s non-discrimination laws.

Anyone who knows me will immediately see why I am interested in this case. Though it is in Canada, it would be a major milestone in recognition of the Leather/BDSM/Fetish community. It would also go a long way toward a more tolerant attitude for kinky folk in this country.