Protest held to counter what they perceive as the spread of gender ideology

BY PAUL JUNOR

There has been mainstream media attention directed on the “One Million March 4 Children,” which was held on Wednesday, September 20th, 2023, across Canada.

There were major protests held in: Toronto, Ottawa, Halifax, Vancouver, and Mississauga. These protests were organized by different: religious, community, and ethnic-specific groups to counter what they perceive as the spread of: gender ideology, 2SLGBTQ1A+ affirmative rights, and rise of non-traditional values and ideas in the public education systems. Many individuals believe that school boards have taken it upon themselves to promote gender ideological theories to young minds who are still vulnerable and weak.

The major issue that has parents up in arms is the changes proposed by certain leaders in some Canadian provinces to school board policies that would have negatively impacted queer students, especially transgender or non-binary.

Blaine Higgs, premier of New Brunswick stated in June that “Teachers in the province will not be required to use the preferred names or nouns of transgender, or non-binary students under the age of 16 without parental consent.” Also, Dustin Duncan, Minister of Education for Saskatchewan announced in August that “Teachers must seek parental approval before a student under the age of 16 can change their names or pronouns.”

The Ontario Federation of Labour issued a press release to denounce what it believes is a right-wing attack on progressive policies that are meant to make school places of safety for students who identify as non-binary and are gender diverse. The press release states, “The ultra-conservative right has organized nationwide events under the pretext of protecting children, while their true aim is to protest the teaching of 2SLGBTQ1+ content in schools.”

The press release spells out the troubling aspects of the misguided messages that those who planned the demonstrations are presenting. It notes, “We are all acutely aware of the danger posed by these messages of hate, and it is our collective responsibility to respond with unwavering unity. Our union is clear: to counter these protests and demonstrate unequivocally that there is no place for hate within our society. We will stand together, resolute in our commitment to combat lies and misinformation while championing love, care and respect.”

Another union, the Public Service Alliance of Canada also released a press release on Wednesday September 20^th, 2023, to its members as a call to action. The press release states, “This Wednesday, September 20^th, 2023, the far-right conservative and anti-trans groups are organizing protests against teaching 2 LGBTQ1A + content in schools. These protests are being organized under the hashtag #1 Million March 4 Children.

The protests also support recent legislation passed by the Saskatchewan New Brunswick which demands that feathers advice parents of their children’s request to be called by a different name or pronoun. While these groups claim to be in support of “parental” rights,” The protests are actually anti-2SLGBTQ1A and hate rallies which aim to eliminate Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOHI) curriculum and policies from Canadian schools.”

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau responded to Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre’s accusations against him in a tweet. Pierre Poilievre initially stated that the Prime Minister was “Demoralizing” parents after these demonstrations.

Justin responded in a tweet on Wednesday, “We strongly condemn this hate and its manifestations, and we stand united in support of 2SLGBTQ+ Canadians across the country-you are valid, and you are valued.”

Pierre Poilievre tweeted a response, “Justin Trudeau always divides to distract from all he has broken. This time, he is demonizing parents. Parents should be the final authority on the values and lessons that are taught to children. Trudeau should butt out and let parents raise their kids.”