TL/DR –
Over 1000 people rallied in Alberta, Canada, in protest against policy changes impacting transgender individuals announced by Premier Danielle Smith of the United Conservative Party. The policies include restrictions on hormone therapy, surgery, and participation in sports, among others. Critics have labeled the policies as ‘draconian’ and potentially dangerous for transgender youth, leading to organized demonstrations in Edmonton and Calgary.
Over 1,000 people attended protests at Edmonton’s legislature and Calgary’s City Hall on Saturday, expressing opposition to the new transgender policies introduced by the United Conservative Party.
The policies, which include restrictions on hormone therapy and transgender sports participation, were announced by Premier Danielle Smith via a social media video. Critics, including politicians and advocacy groups, have labeled these measures as “draconian”.
Dr. Victoria Bucholtz, a rally organizer and University of Calgary gender studies professor, voiced concerns that these policies put transgender youth at risk.
Watch: Medical experts react to Alberta’s proposed changes to transgender care
Former Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi was among the speakers at the rally, criticizing the new policies as “inhumane” and “un-Albertan”. Nenshi also expressed his distaste for Smith’s assurance that parents who fail to support or abuse their transgender children will face child protection laws, indicating this response as insufficient.
Nenshi encouraged attendees to contact their MLAs about the issue and addressed Premier Smith directly, asking for her to prioritize the lives of Albertans above votes.
Political scientist Duane Bratt from Mount Royal University commented on the speech, hinting that Nenshi might be considering a return to politics.
A report from Postmedia also suggested that Nenshi might be eyeing the top position of the Alberta NDP.
A statement from the Office of the Premier outlined additional supports for the transgender community, including medical professionals specializing in transgender care.
Group signs joint statement, condemns recent policies
On the same day as the rally, numerous advocacy groups for trans youth and gender-affirming care issued a joint statement condemning the United Conservative Party’s policies. The group called for policy consultation with the transgender community and the creation of regulations grounded in established medical practices and research.
The premier’s announcement also included parental consent requirements for students under 16 who wish to change their names or pronouns at school. Students 16 and 17 years old will still need their parents to be notified. Additionally, gender reassignment surgery will be banned for those 17 and under, and access to puberty blockers and hormone therapies will be restricted.
These changes follow similar “parental rights” legislation enacted in Saskatchewan and proposed revisions to educational policy in New Brunswick.
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