The Green Party of Canada (GPC) is in complete disarray after interim leader Amita Kuttner was “misgendered” during a leadership race launch.
Kuttner who identifies as non-binary and goes by the pronouns “they/them” appeared on screen during a Sept. 3 announcement with the pronouns “she/elle.”
The interim leader called the incident “misgendering,” calling it “reflective of a larger pattern of behaviours that a few in the party are perpetuating.”
“In moments like these I wonder – how can I ensure other people’s safety if I can’t even ensure my own?”
The party responded by issuing a statement signed by all of the candidates and MPs calling for an end to “harassment.”
“The September 3 incident was but the latest in a number of similar behavioural patterns that Dr. Kuttner has faced throughout their tenure,” the statement claimed.
Soon after Green Party President Lorraine Rekmans announced her resignation, claiming that she was wrongly blamed for the mess up.
“I was surprised that the contestants would use (the Sept. 3 media event) to attack the Party they were running to lead,” wrote Rekmans.
“I find that some in GPC, wish to cling to the image of a political party that is the same as all the other political parties in Canada, fuelled by money, and controlled by people who wield power.”
Rekmans resignation was followed by federal council Ontario representative Krystal Brooks.
“I … recognize how deep the manipulation went prior to this event by Interim Leader, Dr. Amita Kuttner, although I’m not certain if you were aware that you were doing this or if you too were being manipulated,” Brooks explained in a Facebook post.
“I have lost all faith in Caucus and those who they choose to hide behind.”
