Klippert Case, 1967 National Historic Event
© Library of Parliament of Canada
The Klippert Case (1967) was designated as a national historic event in 2025.
Historical importance: an important case associated with changes to Canada’s Criminal Code in 1969, which partially decriminalized same-gender sexual acts, and that continues to serve as an example in the fight for sexuality equality.
Commemorative plaque: no plaque installedFootnote 1
The Klippert Case, 1967
The Klippert Case of 1967 (Klippert v. the Queen, 1967) was a pivotal moment in the fight for 2SLGBTQI+ rights in Canada. It was an appeal to revoke the dangerous sexual offender status of Everett Klippert, who was incarcerated indefinitely for gross indecency under the then Criminal Code, which made sexual activity between men illegal. Despite the Supreme Court ruling against Klippert, this case highlighted legal discrimination experienced by gay men to a broad Canadian audience. Spurring an immediate media backlash, it contributed to the partial decriminalization of same-gender sexual acts in 1969, though sexual discrimination continued.
The Klippert Case occurred within a context of anti-queer legal discrimination and national security campaigns throughout Canada. In 1960, Klippert, a bus driver in Calgary, Alberta, was sentenced to four years in prison for gross indecency under section 149 of the Criminal Code, which, at the time, was used by authorities to target men who engaged in sexual activity with other men. After his release, Klippert moved to Pine Point, Northwest Territories. In 1965, he was questioned by the RCMP about alleged arson (he was not charged) and, feeling pressured, admitted to consensual sexual activity with four men. Klippert was charged, pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to three years in prison. While he was incarcerated, the prosecution applied for and won dangerous sexual offender status (section 659 of the Criminal Code) for Klippert, leading to an indefinite incarceration sentence in March 1966. His sister, Leah Klippert, retained a lawyer to represent him in his request to overturn the decision, first in the Court of Appeal for the Northwest Territories and then in the Supreme Court of Canada, which denied the appeal in a three-to-two decision on 7 November 1967.
© CBC Archives
The Supreme Court’s decision in Klippert v. The Queen sparked intense media backlash. It exposed the legal discrimination faced by gay men to a broad Canadian audience. On 21 December 1967, Minister of Justice Pierre Elliott Trudeau took inspiration from journalist Martin O’Malley when he pronounced these famous words: “Take this thing on homosexuality, I think the view we take here is that there’s no place for the state in the bedrooms of the nation.”
That day, Trudeau introduced in the House of Commons a massive omnibus bill with 109 amendments, including changes to laws on gross indecency and dangerous sexual offender convictions. Although this work began long before the Klippert Case, the ruling provided the impetus for reforming criminal law regarding same-gender sexual activity. In 1969, sex acts between consenting adults aged 21 or older were legalized if done in private, and the conditions for dangerous sexual offender designation were altered to avoid unnecessary convictions. Klippert was released in 1971, moved to Edmonton, and avoided the growing gay rights movement. The details of his life and his actions remain controversial. However, his case was a significant step in the fight for sexual equality in Canada.
“Everett Klippert's prosecution and incarceration for life in the 1960s, due to his sexual orientation, and the debate it triggered must always be remembered. This Calgarian's suffering led to the beginning of a profound change for human rights in Canada and ultimately forged a better future for our community."
This press backgrounder was prepared at the time of the Ministerial announcement in 2025.
The National Program of Historical Commemoration relies on the participation of Canadians in the identification of places, events and persons of national historic significance. Any member of the public can nominate a topic for consideration by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada.
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