CAUT has joined the equity rights organization, Egale Canada. "Egale has done important work in promoting justice and equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people and their families," said CAUT executive director James Turk. "Given CAUT's historic commitment to equity and the present context of debate on sexual orientation and legal equality, it made sense to join this national advocacy group."

The organization is in the midst of an intense lobbying campaign to convince Canada's parliamentarians to support equal marriage for same-sex couples. At the same time, Egale is engaged in amending hate propaganda laws, making gender identity a prohibited ground of discrimination, reforming antiquated bawdy house laws, making schools safe for LGBT youth, parenting and reproductive issues and fighting censorship and unfair targeting of LGBT book stores.

"CAUT sponsorship comes at a critical time for Egale," Turk said. "Equal rights and constitutional values are becoming ever more important in modern Canadian society, and Egale's work depends on the support of its members' donations."

Egale's work is supported by the Canadian Association of Social Workers, the Canadian Auto Workers union, the Canadian Federation of Students, the Canadian Labour Congress, the Canadian Union of Public Employees, the Canadian Unitarian Council, the National Association of Women and the Law and the United Church of Canada among others.

CAUT Council voted unanimously Nov. 22 to join Egale and provide a $500 donation.