EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Bill proclaims February 22 in each year as Chosen Family Day.

Bill 64 2023

An Act to proclaim Chosen Family Day

Preamble

Chosen families are made up of individuals who may not be biologically related to one another. These families are especially important to 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals who may have been rejected by their biological families. Chosen families are picked instead of assigned, providing each individual the freedom to choose how they want to be understood and loved. Chosen families help to impart a sense of acceptance and belonging in 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals.

Chosen families grew out of the ballroom culture within Black communities which provided spaces of belonging for many racialized members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

Chosen Family Day, held on February 22 of each year, celebrates the importance of chosen families.

Therefore, His Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Ontario, enacts as follows:

Chosen Family Day

1 February 22 in each year is proclaimed as Chosen Family Day.

Commencement

2 This Act comes into force on the day it receives Royal Assent.

Short title

3 The short title of this Act is the Chosen Family Day Act, 2023.