A nationwide series of parental rights protests Wednesday prompted left-wing politicians to condemn the Million Person March as “hateful.”
The Million Person March was a demonstration organised largely by parents concerned with the expansion of gender ideology. Protesters advocated for a stronger foothold for parental rights both in what children learn and also what they do at school as it pertains to changing gender identity and pronouns.
However, prominent politicians supportive of the LGBTQ+ community attacked the nationwide protests as being “anti-trans” and “hateful.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took to X (formerly Twitter) to condemn the protests, labelling them as a transphobic, homophobic, and biphobic manifestation of hate.
“Let me make one thing very clear: Transphobia, homophobia, and biphobia have no place in this country,” wrote Trudeau.
“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.”
In a press conference at City Hall, Toronto mayor Olivia Chow said that there is “no room for hate in Canada” and emphasised her commitment to advocating on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community.
“Toronto is a welcoming place for everyone, including our LGBTQ neighbours and young people,” said Chow, touting her raising of a transgender flag at City Hall. “I spent my career standing shoulder to shoulder with the LGBTQ community and I want to continue to stand with them today in the face of hate.”
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh attended the counter-protest to Ottawa’s Million Person March, marching with a large pride progress flag and chanting pro-LGBTQ+ slogans.
In an X post, Singh warned of an alarming rise in hate against the LGBTQ+ community, representing a threat to safety and freedom.
In Wednesday’s Question Period, NDP MP Randall Garrison accused the Million Person March of being “anti-trans” and making it impossible for transgender children to feel safe.
“As Canadians we should be making sure that all of our kids feel safe, loved, and supported. But right now, anti-trans demonstrations across Canada are making this impossible, especially for trans kids,” said Garrison.
Garrison called on the Trudeau government to join the NDP in condemning the protests, prompting a standing ovation from Liberal MPs and a strong statement of solidarity from Women and Gender Equality Minister Marci Ien.
Liberal MP Andy Fillmore took to X accusing the protesters attending the Million Person March of being “far-right bozos” and being motivated by hate.
“You may notice some far-right bozos marching in the streets today under the ruse of standing up for Canada’s kids. Don’t fall for it.” wrote Fillmore.
“This is what bigots do—they mask their hatred under the cover of fake causes because they know we won’t accept it for what it really is: hate.”
