Trans-friendly counter-protesters stand up to activist outside Ottawa schools

Hundreds of counter-protesters gathered near two schools in Ottawa's west end on Friday to take a stand against a B.C. man who is protesting what he calls "gender ideology."

Hundreds of trans-friendly counter-protesters gathered near two schools in Ottawa's west end on Friday to take a stand against a B.C. man who is protesting what he calls "gender ideology."

Ottawa Police closed Broadview Avenue, between Carling and Tillbury Avenues, due to the protest by Chris Elston, and the counter-protest organized by Community Solidarity Ottawa, Horizon Ottawa, MPP Joel Harden, Coun. Ariel Troster and other community groups and residents. 

Five people have been arrested during the demonstration.

Elston, known as Billboard Chris, organized the rally in Ottawa's west end called "Education over Indoctrination." He was joined by dozens of supporters, including student activist Josh Alexander, who organized a protest in the fall over the use of the gendered washrooms at St. Joseph's Catholic High School in Renfrew.

Elston is protesting against puberty blockers for children who identify as transgender and what he calls "gender ideology" – the idea that children can be born into the wrong body. Elston doesn't believe gender identity should be taught in schools.  

Elston, who was wearing a sign saying, "Children cannot consent to puberty blockers", was joined by supporters, including some wearing hats with the words 'Save Canada.' 

Photos from The Canadian Press showed young people stepping on Pride flags that were placed on the road during the protest.