B.C. human rights commissioner slams 'hate-fuelled' anti-LGBTQ2S+ rallies planned across Canada

British Columbia's Human Rights Commissioner, Kasari Govender, says she is disturbed about 'hate-fuelled marches' planned in several communities around the province and across Canada on Wednesday.

British Columbia's Human Rights Commissioner, Kasari Govender, says she is disturbed about “hate-fuelled marches” planned in several communities around the province and across Canada on Wednesday.

Posters created by a group called “1MillionMarch4Children” says participants are “standing together against gender ideology in schools,” which is a reference to Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity programs being taught in B.C.'s public schools.

The statement from Govender says peaceful demonstration protects democracy and generates debate, but the human rights of the trans and LGBTQ2S+ community “is not up for debate.”

She says an inquiry by her office showed almost two-thirds of LGBTQ2S+ students don't feel safe at school, compared with 11 per cent of heterosexual students, and attempts to erase them from school curriculums are hateful.

A statement from the City of Whitehorse says it is aware of a march planned for Sept. 20 in the Yukon city, and says anti-LGBTQ2S+ messaging that targets community members will not be tolerated.

Bylaw officers in Whitehorse are aware of the planned march as well as a counter-protest and the city says RCMP will be monitoring.

Govender says in a statement that those who want to “protect” their children by removing school-based supports for gay, bisexual, trans and other students are misinformed.