An Ottawa-area Girl Guides chapter is sitting out the Santa Claus parade to avoid breaching its commitment to secularism.
Organizers of the Kanata Santa Claus Parade invited several community groups to participate in the event, but the Girl Guides said they were unable to participate in any activities to do with “faith-based beliefs, behaviours and traditions” as part of its diversity, equity and inclusion policy.
“We got a response from the Girl Guides that Girl Guides of Canada does not allow them to be part of a Christmas parade,” said Kanata South Coun. Allan Hubley in an interview with CTV News Ottawa.
“(Girl Guides of Canada) is a secular organization, which means that Guiding is not affiliated with, nor privileges any religion or faith-based beliefs, behaviours and traditions,” reads the organization’s handbook, Guiding is for Everyone.
“As a secular organization, we welcome girls and women from all and no religious affiliations. Being a secular organization signals Guiding’s belief in providing a safe space and sense of belonging for all girls.”
The Girl Guides of Canada’s fear is that participating in the Santa Claus parade would be “promoting religious practices” which could lead to “unintentionally turning away future members who don’t share those beliefs.”
Christmas parades fall under the umbrella of events that “have their roots in religion” and therefore should be avoided by the group.
On Monday, Girl Guides CEO Shannon Benner released a statement discussing the group’s commitment to secularism.
“(Girl Guides of Canada) has been working diligently to ensure that all activities offered by the organization are of a secular nature so that we are providing an inclusive space for all who choose to be members of Girl Guides of Canada,” said Benner.
“As a result, participating in activities that have a connection to a specific religious celebration are not part of the program offering at GGC. The Girl Guides program platform offers suggestions for Guiders and members looking to create inclusive and fun unit experiences.”
Several local leaders of the group have since confirmed that they will not be participating in the parade due to the policy.
The GGC response came as a disappointment to Hubley.
“I couldn’t believe it at first,” Hubley said. “I said ‘please check.’ Apparently, there is something being sent out to all the groups to tell them that they can’t do that.”
However, the Scouts are allowed to participate, noted Hubley.
“In my case, I have to tell my two granddaughters that they can’t be in the parade but their brother can, because he’s in the Scouts,” said Hubley.
Hubley said he hopes some Girl Guides will still attend the parade anyway.
“We just want everyone who can to be part of the parade because it’s all about celebrating the caring and giving and kindness of the season,” he said.
