Despite protests, Sask. premier firm on pronoun, parental rights policies

Premier Scott Moe was undeterred by lively protests sparked by his government’s new parental rights and pronoun policies on Wednesday.

Hundreds attended rallies in support of the education policies in six Saskatchewan cities, and were met by counterprotests of roughly equal size.

The new policies require parental consent for sex education in schools and allow parents to opt their students out of sex ed. It also requires parental consent when young students wish to change their preferred pronouns or name in school.

When asked about the rallies, Moe said he supports the right to protest, but the changes will remain.

Despite large protests opposing the new policies, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe says the changes to education are here to stay.

“People have the opportunity to raise their voice in support or in opposition of various policies,” he told reporters Wednesday. “School divisions are working through the implementation of the policy in our classrooms and in our schools across the province … We’ve indicated as a government that that is going to be the case moving forward.”

Even though a considerable group in the province vocally opposes the changes, Moe said the policies are popular with Saskatchewan people.

“There has been much discussion with respect to this policy between MLAs and parents from across the province. Most certainly there is broad support for this policy across Saskatchewan,” Moe said. “That’s why the government is ultimately committed to ensuring its implementation today and into the future.”

Earlier this month, a statement from Dr. Lisa Broda, the Saskatchewan Advocate for Children & Youth, called the policies discriminatory. Moe responded to those comments on Wednesday.

“The children’s advocate also identified that parents are a critical piece in a child’s upbringing, and they need to be involved in their child’s education,” Moe said. “When we have parents involved in our children’s education, it makes for a much responsive education system and, I would say, in general, a much more successful education system, too.”

The premier, who has said he is willing to use the notwithstanding clause to ensure the new policies remain unchanged, noted his government isn’t concerned about legal ramifications at this point.

“There’s been an injunction hearing that was heard (Tuesday) in court,” he said. “The government has indicated that we’ll use the tools to ensure (the) policy ultimately is in place.” While Moe stood by the policies, the Canada-wide rallies pushing for increased parental rights didn’t get a rosy reception from other politicians.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a statement on social media saying transphobia, homophobia and biphobia “have no place” in Canada.

“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,” Trudeau wrote.

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

The City of Regina issued a statement in response to the demonstration on Wednesday, saying it supports and values its diverse community.

“The City of Regina values diversity as a cornerstone of building and improving a healthier, more inclusive and vibrant community,” the statement read. “As part of its commitment to diversity and inclusivity, the City of Regina is proud to be an ally of individuals of all genders, including those who identify as non-binary, and of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.”

Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark said many have worked hard to make his city a safe and welcoming place.

“In order to create environments for all students and young people to thrive, we cannot allow fear-based policies to take hold,” Clark wrote in a social media post. “The way forward is to work together with the 2SLGBTQ+ community, educators and parents alike.”

So many people have worked very hard over the past years and decades to build a more inclusive city, and to be a safe and welcoming city for people in the 2SLGBT+ community.

— charlieclarkyxe (@charlieclarkyxe) September 20, 2023