Achi news desk-
Alberta’s queer community organizer says Pride’s ban on members of the United Conservative Party legislature challenges Premier Danielle Smith to start matching words with action.
“There is absolutely no reason to invite the UCP to participate in our cultural celebrations while they are legislating against us,” James Demers of Queer Citizens United said in an interview Tuesday.
“They’re trying to appeal to their very radical right-wing base by attacking queer people.”
Demers’ comments came after the Calgary-based organization, which represents 14 groups across the province, announced Friday that members of Smith’s caucus are not welcome to attend Pride events this summer.
He said the ban was a reprimand to the front for changes to rules and legislation coming later this year relating to transgender and queer people.
Alberta proposes that students 15 and under must have their parents’ permission to change their names or preferred pronouns at school. For those aged 16 and 17, their parents must be notified.
Smith has also promised to ban medical treatments for some transgender minors and ensure that sports leagues for female players are biological only.
Demers said that by limiting medical treatment, the UCP would interfere with decisions that should be made between parents, their child and their doctor.
Friday’s statement was timed to coincide with the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.
On that day, Alberta Culture Minister Tanya Fir released a statement saying that the government stands against all forms of discrimination.
Demers called Fir’s statement “a cruel joke at best,” and said the group is fighting the government’s attempt to disingenuously frame itself as a supportive ally.
“They are a violently discriminatory and homophobic and transphobic party,” said Demers, who is transgender.
At the legislature on Tuesday, Fir, who attended Pride events last summer, including in Calgary and Red Deer, told reporters the events should be about uniting people.
“It was disappointing to receive that news and be shut out,” he said.
Queer Citizens United said the proposed changes threaten the safety and well-being of their community. But Fir said she believed the new rules would be balanced and compassionate.
“They are about protecting children’s rights to make adult decisions when they are adults,” he said.
Fir ruled out the possibility that her ministry would deny community grants to Pride organizations in response to Friday’s letter.
Lizette Tejada, the Opposition NDP’s critic on LGBTQ+ issues, said Pride groups were justified in banning the United Conservatives.
“We have a government proposing policies that will cause active harm,” Tejada said.
Alberta follows New Brunswick and Saskatchewan in mandating parental involvement when a child wants to change their pronouns or names at school.
In Saskatchewan, Pride organizers in Regina have responded by denying a request from the Party of Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe to participate in the capital’s event this summer.
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This report was first published by The Canadian Press on May 21, 2024.
