B.C. proposed legislation to ban protests near school grounds after anti-SOGI protests took place.
After 18 protests regarding SOGI (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity) were counted by the province, B.C. is now interested in banning demonstrations from taking place near schools.
The new legislation would allow the provincial government to restrict protests they deem “aggressive” that occur within 20 meters of the building.
Those protesting within 20 meters can be ticketed or arrested by police if the school feels they disrupt classroom activities.
Premiere David Eby said the legislation is based on the law that was used to ban individuals from protesting outside of hospitals during Covid-19.
“They’re really things we shouldn’t need a law for, but unfortunately, we do,” Eby told reporters on Wednesday.
He stated the SOGI protests are “concerning, frightening, alarming and it makes school feel like a not safe place.”
B.C. Conservative Leader John Rustad condemned the new legislation and said he feels “there is no hate” during anti-SOGI demonstrations and “the issue is around parental rights.”
“I’m finding it very curious that government seems focused on parents who are concerned about their children in schools … and yet these other protests, which are focused on, quite frankly, hate, are allowed to go forward with no word from this government,” he said, referring to the Israel-Hamas protests.
Trudeau demonizes parents protesting against SOGI
In September 2023, nationwide protests took place called “The Million Person March” in support of parental rights and to stop the sexualization of children in schools.
Trudeau criticized thousands of the protestors, labelling them as transphobic, homophobic, and “biphobic.”
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre commented on this statement on X, saying, “Justin Trudeau always divides to distract from all he has broken.”
“This time, he is demonizing concerned 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,” Polievre added.
