A public educators union in Ontario is condemning planned anti-transgender marches that will be taking place in cities and towns across Canada this week, including Chatham.
The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) issued a statement ahead of the marches that are being held on Wednesday under the banner of “1 Million March 4 Children”.
“Any actions or events that seek to undermine the rights and dignity of the 2SLGBTQ+ community must be denounced. As such, ETFO strongly condemns this week’s planned protests, and calls on the government and school boards to do the same,” ETFO said in the news release.
According to the “1 Million March 4 Children” website, the marches are being held to advocate “for the elimination of the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) curriculum, pronouns, gender ideology and mixed bathrooms in schools.”
ETFO noted that the planned marches are part of a “disturbing” increase in public discourse centred on anti-2SLGTBQ+ hate.
“We are hearing that students and members, especially those who identify as 2SLGBTQ+, are frightened and concerned about the protests, in particular those being held near schools,” ETFO said. “Action must be taken to ensure safety.”
In the local region, marches have been scheduled to take place in Chatham, Windsor, London, and Sarnia. Counter-protests have also been organized to take place in some areas as well.
While not commenting on the planned marches directly, the CK Gay Pride Association said it will be opening Bill’s Place community space with extended hours on Wednesday as “a sanctuary for those impacted by any acts of hate on this day.”
