Counter-rallies take place amid Canada-wide protests against gender identity education

At least 63 counter-protests were planned Wednesday across Canada in response to nation-wide demonstrations protesting against sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) education in schools.

While the group which launched the protests, which dubbed themselves “1 Million March for Children” says they are not anti-2SLGBTQIA+, their website says they are advocating for the elimination of “pronouns, gender ideology and mixed bathrooms” in educational institutions.

2SLGBTQIA+ groups have expressed their outrage and concerns over these marches, with many holding counter-rallies of their own to oppose the messaging they expect to see at these protests.

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Groups have also expressed concern over Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s comments about schools “indoctrinating” children on gender identity.

Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath issued a statement condemning hate towards the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, saying that it will “never be welcomed or tolerated in this city.”

A march both for and against the movement happened in Hamilton Wednesday morning.

Protestors lined up outside school board offices in Burlington, Niagara, Brantford and other cities, and they even took the protest to Hamilton city hall.

At one point Upper Wentworth Street was blocked off to traffic while the protest went on.

Both the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board and the Halton District School Board issued statements saying they are “committed to upholding the human rights” of all people.

“This march is in opposition to both the work that HWDSB is actively engaged in and the commitment HWDSB has to supporting transgender, gender diverse and Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+ students and communities,” read a statement from Hamilton’s public school board.

Another statement from the HDSB reads, “This includes unequivocally supporting the human rights of 2SLGBTQIA+ students, staff and families.”

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