VANCOUVER—Vancouver Rape Relief & Women’s Shelter says it would sooner turn down important funding from the City of Vancouver than change its policies, which currently exclude trans people from many of its services. City hall heard a number of heated presentations Wednesday night, during which trans people spoke against the organization receiving renewed funding from the city. Hilla Kerner from the Vancouver Rape Relief and Women’s Shelter says the demand to provide services to trans women is “undemocratic and a very dangerous bullying move on behalf of councillors.” ( Eric Dreger / The Canadian Press )But Vancouver Rape Relief won’t budge. “Rape Relief is strong enough and principled enough and has enough supporters in the community ... we will say no to that kind of money,” said Vancouver Rape Relief spokesperson Hilla Kerner, reached by phone before the motion was passed. Kirby-Yung said she recognizes the importance of the Vancouver Rape Relief’s services, and said she hopes the organization agrees to change its ways.

Source: thestar March 14, 2019 21:04 UTC