Duelling protests over gender identity and sexual orientation education in Edmonton

Whyte Avenue became the site of duelling protests Saturday afternoon as the groups debated gender identity and sexual orientation curriculums in school.

All across the country, rallies were held for and against gender identity and sexual orientation curriculums in schools.

That included Edmonton, where Saturday afternoon Whyte Ave. became the site of duelling protests.

People on the south side of the street had supporters from a group that held protests all throughout Canada, 1 Million March 4 Children. They say they’re against having SOGI 123, sexual orientation and gender identity, program in schools.

“They’re teaching young kids to doubt their own gender and exposing young kids to concepts of sexuality that are too mature, so we need to put a stop to this programming,” said Benita Pedersen.

On the other side of the street was a group counter-protesting, who support LGBTQ2 education in schools and wanted to show solidarity.

“They’re protesting the mentioning of the words gay, the words trans, and any education in grade school that is talking about the existence of LGBT people. We believe that’s part of a campaign to demonize and eradicate LGBT people,” said Nikita Dabrowski.

Another point of contention, was the Parents’ Bill of Rights recently passed in Saskatchewan which requires parental consent if a youth under the age of 16 wants to be referred to by a different name or pronoun at school.

“I believe that parents need to be a very active part in their children’s education and the parents need to be consulted and engaged in it. There are certain things that shouldn’t be taught to children with parental consent,” Pedersen said.