Protests against teaching gender diversity in schools planned across B.C.

Protests against schools teaching children about gender and sexual diversity are planned to take place across B.C. Wednesday.

Posters created by a group, called 1 Million March 4 Children, say participants are "standing together against gender ideology in schools" — which, in B.C., references Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) programs being taught in public schools.

Similar events are planned across Canada today, with some parents and socially conservative groups protesting LGBTQ-inclusive education policies in the classroom and in extracurricular settings under the banner of parental rights. 

But critics and researchers say the term "parental rights" is a misnomer because it doesn't address the concerns of LGBTQ parents or parents of LGBTQ children.

Counter-rallies are also expected in some communities. 

There is no specific SOGI curriculum in B.C., however K-12 students have subjects around human rights, respecting diversity, and responding to discrimination. 

"Teachers may include discussions around the B.C. Human Rights Code, sexual orientation and gender identity," the provincial government's website says.

Parents can also arrange for alternative ways to educate children about "sensitive topics related to reproduction and sexuality," including learning about them at home or through self-directed studies. This does not mean students can opt out of studying those subjects. 

"It is expected that students will, in consultation with their school, demonstrate their knowledge of the learning standard(s) have arranged to address by alternative means," the website reads.

In an interview with CBC News, David Low, one of the organizers of a rally against SOGI programs in Prince George, B.C., claimed children were being "bullied" by teachers into changing their pronouns.

Low, who unsuccessfully ran for school board in by-elections earlier this year — losing to two candidates who explicitly endorsed SOGI — said he worries children are being pushed towards getting body-altering surgery without parental knowledge. 

He also said he has heard stories of children identifying as a "kitty cat."

The rumour that there are children or teachers identifying as cats in classrooms is one that has often been cited by opponents of sexual and gender education programs, and has repeatedly been denied by school boards across North America.

"It's one thing to say, well, we have various people who have different feelings about sexuality," Low said.