Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is denying he ever called parental rights protesters hateful during the One Million March for Children nationwide demonstrations last month, despite social media posts showing otherwise.
On Thursday, Trudeau was pressed on a statement he posted to X and whether he would retract his words.
In the post, the prime minister said that he strongly condemns the “hate and its manifestation” during the protests.
“Let me make one thing very clear: Transphobia, homophobia, and biphobia have no place in this country. We strongly condemn this hate and its manifestations, and we stand united in support of 2SLGBTQI+ Canadians across the country – you are valid and you are valued,” posted Trudeau at the time.
While at a stop in Vaughan, Ont., Trudeau backpedalled on his comments, claiming he never called parental rights protesters hateful.
“I never suggested that someone who’s concerned about parental rights is somehow filled with hate or intolerance,” claimed Trudeau.
Parental rights have taken the front stage both provincially and federally as several premiers are looking to pass policies that would require educators to inform parents if their children under the age of 16 decide to use different pronouns at school.
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe recently challenged a court ruling that would prevent such a policy from being imposed on human rights grounds by saying he would invoke the Notwithstanding Clause in the Charter to overrule the decision.
“If necessary, that would be one of the tools that would be under consideration – yes,” said Moe in September.
“The notwithstanding clause is present for a reason — so that duly elected governments can represent their constituents when necessary.”
