Saanich police watch over the anti and pro SOGI 1 2 3 protests at the B.C. legislature Saturday
An anti SOGI 1 2 3 rally has been met by counter-protesters today at the B.C. legislature.
SOGI 1 2 3 provides resources to teachers regarding inclusiveness and diversity for students of all sexual orientations and gender identities.
It’s supported by multiple groups including the Ministry of Education. SOGI says 90 per cent of public school students in the province are represented by educators from SOGI Educator Network.
The rally against the curriculum is being lead by the Canadian Council for Faith and Family and the Canadian Christian Lobby. The groups say its to raise awareness of the “dangers of SOGI 123 and to the fact that those who oppose this program have not been heard by our government or our press”.
The release from the Canadian Council for Faith and Family says that the “largest demographic in our society was totally ignored in the creation of this program, thus it is anti-democratic at its core.”
The counter-protest says their goal is to re-enforce the importance of the implementation of the policy.
The pro group posted to social media saying they are attending to, “have a presence there that celebrates all genders, orientations, sexualities, and family/relationship configurations, in order to show this group that we stand for equality.”
The group goes on to say that it,”has been proven that educating students of all ages with regards to language around gender and sexual orientation allows them to be more empathetic, understanding, and empowered–both with regards to their own identities and when faced with others.”
The rally against the program argues their protest has nothing to do with promoting hatred, and that their main organizer and spokesperson is Jenn Smith, a transgender-identified male. He believes the program will destroy the lives of countless young people and seeks to undermine parental authority.
Multiple Victoria and Saanich police officers are at the protest, that is seeing more than 200 participants.
CHEK News
