CGLQ General Bylaws

Nature and objectives of the organization

The Coalition gaie et lesbienne du Québec (CGLQ) is a non-profit organization incorporated under Part III of the Quebec Companies Act. Founded in 1992, it pursues the following fundamental objectives:

• Defend the rights of LGBT people and communities in Quebec against all forms of discrimination, violence, and inequality
• Promote the social and legal equality of sexually diverse people, in accordance with international human rights conventions
• Represent Quebec's LGBT communities nationally and internationally, particularly before the United Nations ECOSOC
• Inform and raise awareness among the public about the realities experienced by LGBT people through training, workshops, and conferences
• Contribute to the development of tools to prevent and combat homophobia and anti-LGBT prejudice

The organization's head office is located in the province of Quebec, Canada. The organization operates throughout Quebec and, by virtue of its UN accreditation, internationally.

Membership categories and rights

The CGLQ's general bylaws provide for several membership categories, each with specific rights and responsibilities:

Individual members

Any individual, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, origin, or nationality, may become an individual member of the CGLQ. Individual members have the right to vote at the general meeting, to stand for election to the board of directors, and to access the organization's services and resources.

Organizational members

Community organizations, associations, coalitions, and other legal entities pursuing objectives compatible with those of the CGLQ may become organizational members. Each member organization appoints an official representative who exercises voting rights on its behalf at meetings.

Honorary members

Honorary membership may be awarded by the board of directors to any person who has made an exceptional contribution to the cause of LGBT rights in Quebec. Honorary members are invited to meetings in an advisory capacity.

Rights shared by all members

• Receive notices of general meetings
• Participate in deliberations and discussions
• Have access to the organization's annual reports and financial statements
• Submit proposals for the agendas of meetings
• Be informed of the CGLQ's activities, programs, and positions

Board of Directors

The board of directors is the CGLQ's governing body between general meetings. It is responsible for managing day-to-day affairs and fulfilling the organization's mission.

Composition

The board of directors consists of a minimum of three (3) and a maximum of nine (9) directors elected at the annual general meeting. Board members primarily come from LGBT organizations in Canada, ensuring diverse community representation.

Positions and duties

• President – chairs board and general meetings, represents the organization publicly, and signs official documents
• Vice-President – assists the president and replaces them in the event of absence or inability to act
• Secretary – prepares the minutes, keeps the membership register up to date, and maintains the organization's archives
• Treasurer – manages finances, prepares financial statements, and presents the financial report at the general meeting
• Directors – participate in the board's deliberations and decisions

Responsibilities

The board of directors has the following primary responsibilities:

• Ensure the implementation of decisions made by the general meeting
• Adopt the organization's policies and strategic directions
• Approve the annual budget and oversee financial health
• Hire and supervise staff, where applicable
• Represent the CGLQ before partners, institutions, and the public
• Report on its activities at the annual general meeting

Directors perform their duties on a volunteer basis, in compliance with applicable laws and in the best interests of the organization and its mission.

General Meeting

The general meeting is the CGLQ's highest governing body. It is the democratic forum where members collectively exercise their decision-making authority.

Annual General Meeting

The annual general meeting (AGM) is held within six (6) months following the end of the fiscal year. Notice of the meeting is sent to members at least fifteen (15) days before the meeting date. The AGM agenda includes, in particular:

• Reading and approval of the minutes of the last meeting
• Presentation of the board of directors' activity report
• Presentation and approval of the financial statements
• Election of members of the board of directors
• Consideration of proposals submitted by members
• New business

Special General Meeting

A special general meeting may be called by the board of directors or upon the written request of at least one tenth (1/10) of the members in good standing. It may only address matters listed on the notice of meeting.

Quorum and voting

The quorum for any general meeting consists of the members present. Decisions are made by a simple majority of the votes cast, unless otherwise provided in the bylaws. Each member in good standing has one vote. Proxy voting is not permitted.

Amendment procedures

The CGLQ's general bylaws may be modified, amended, or repealed according to the following procedures:

Initiating an amendment

Any proposed amendment to the general bylaws may be submitted by the board of directors or by any member in good standing of the organization. The proposal must be made in writing and submitted to the board secretary at least thirty (30) days before the general meeting at which it will be considered.

Adoption

Any amendment to the general bylaws requires approval by two thirds (2/3) of the votes cast at an annual or special general meeting. The exact wording of the proposed amendment must be included in the notice of meeting so that members may review it before the meeting.

Entry into force

Adopted amendments take effect immediately after their adoption, unless the general meeting decides otherwise. The secretary is responsible for updating the text of the general bylaws and informing all members within a reasonable period.

Transparent governance in 2026

In 2026, the CGLQ is committed to maintaining the highest standards of transparent governance for a non-profit organization. This transparency is essential to retaining the trust of members, partners, and the institutions with which the CGLQ collaborates, particularly the United Nations ECOSOC.

The CGLQ's guiding principles of governance include:

• Financial transparency – financial statements are presented annually at the general meeting and are available to members upon request
• Accountability – the board of directors reports on its decisions and the achievement of established objectives
• Democratic participation – each member has an equal right to vote and may submit proposals to the general meeting
• Inclusion and diversity – the board of directors strives to reflect the diversity of Quebec's LGBT communities
• Ethics and integrity – directors act solely in the interests of the organization and its mission, avoiding any conflict of interest

These principles reflect an ongoing commitment to continuously improving governance so that the CGLQ remains a credible, effective, and representative organization serving the rights of LGBT people in Quebec.