Several thousand people gathered this Wednesday in the streets of Canada's big cities to protest against the imposition of LGBT and queer ideology in schools. The event, called "1 Million March 4 Children," was organized by the Hands Off Our Kids association.
Images of parents who want to assert their right to choose their children's education were seen throughout the country. Protesters accused schools of exposing young students to "gender ideology," and asserted that parents have a right to know if their children are questioning their gender identity. This references to the instructions that teachers receive not to inform parents if a student is considering a gender transition.
Scenes from Ottawa right now where thousands of parents and kids are protesting explicit sexual content in schools and radical gender ideology.
These protests are absolutely massive and across the entire country. #1MillionMarch4Children pic.twitter.com/KIR9wOSe2S
— Cosmin Dzsurdzsa 🇷🇴 (@cosminDZS) September 20, 2023
Counter-protest supported by Trudeau
The march was met with counter-protests organized by Canadian LGBT activists in cities such as Toronto. These groups considers Hands Off Our Kids' message as extremist, violent and homophobic. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau supported the backlash against the "1 Million March 4 Children." On X (formerly Twitter), Trudeau condemned the demonstrations. "Let me make one thing very clear: Transphobia, homophobia, and biphobia have no place in this country."
Canadian police authorities had to be deployed to separate the two demonstrations. In some Twitter videos you can see some moments of tension between protesters on one side and the other. According to Ottawa Police, at least two people were arrested in this city for carrying signs that "incited hatred" and causing a disturbance.
Let me make one thing very clear: Transphobia, homophobia, and biphobia have no place in this country. We strongly condemn this hate and its manifestations, and we stand united in support of 2SLGBTQI+ Canadians across the country – you are valid and you are valued.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) September 20, 2023
According to CTV News, the debate over queer ideology in Canadian schools was revived last June. Then, in the province of New Brunswick, authorities legislated to change the way schools are instructed to handle situations with trans students. The legislation requires schools to notify parents and obtain their permission if a student asks to be referred to by a pronoun other than the one assigned at birth. A progressive association registered a lawsuit against the New Brunswick government over this law.
For this reason, Blaine Higgs, the head of the provincial government of New Brunswick, attended the demonstration to greet and convey support to attendees. Several Canadian media outlets accused him of supporting the protesters' supposed anti-LGBT stances. Higgs responded with a message on social media in which he reaffirmed his position defending a safe environment for education.
Parents want the role they play in their child’s life respected within the school system.
I agree.
And we can do that while still providing a safe and welcoming environment for all students. pic.twitter.com/KrDkAx1yVi
— Blaine Higgs (@premierbhiggs) September 21, 2023
