Statement: Alberta Liberal Leader Condemns Anti-2SLGBTQIA+ Protests

Alberta Liberal Leader John Roggeveen Issues the following statement in response to the anti-2SLGBTQIA+ protests in Alberta:

"Yesterday some Albertans gathered to protest sexual orientation and gender identity curriculum in schools. I believe many of these protesters are well-intentioned but their actions are misguided as they threaten vulnerable 2SLGBTQIA+ youth. These young people are already at greater risk of homelessness, violence, and suicide. 

"Teaching gender identity and sexual orientation is not ideological or dangerous. It is critical to helping children understand the world, their friends, and themselves. Every person deserves the opportunity to discover and be their authentic self.

"I unequivocally support these children and their allies, including the counter-protesters who showed up to support them. Alberta Liberals always have and always will stand up for individual rights, support the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and stand against hate and discrimination. We are proud of our history of pushing for GSAs and expanding human rights in Alberta. 

"Yesterday the Premier “both sided” this issue. She must reverse course and take a stand against hate and misinformation. Just as E. coli can have a serious negative impact on the lives of children, so can outing 2SLGBTQIA+ to those who would shun them. 

"I believe most of the protesters are good people who have been misled by far-right misinformation. As a conservative political leader, Danielle Smith can reach these people in a way most can’t in our increasingly polarized political landscape. Premier Smith must do the right thing and use her platform to denounce the hate and misinformation of these protests. She must take a stand for 2SLGBTQIA+ kids."

We are inviting all Albertans who share our values to attend our 2023 AGM in Edmonton on October 14th. You can find more details here.