Toronto – September 20, 2023 – UFCW Canada condemns anti-2SLGBTQI+ protests being organized on September 20th and beyond against education policies designed to make schools safer and more inclusive spaces for 2SLGBTQI+ children.

UFCW Canada holds solidarity with labour unions across Canada and school communities working together to counter these attacks. Schools have a responsibility to provide children with opportunities to learn in safe and welcoming school environments. The #1MillionMarch4Children orchestrated by anti-2SLGBTQI+ groups undermine individual human rights and democracy.

In the past few months, these ideologies have led to regressive policies across New Brunswick and Saskatchewan. We need to remain vigilant and strong in condemning these protests and defending the rights of 2SLGBTQ+ children. When children’s rights are censored, so are the union values we’ve fought hard to achieve.

Show your support by using the hashtag #WorkersUnitedAgainstHate to condemn September 20th protests supported by the #1MillionMarch4Children and orchestrated by far-right groups. You can also join numerous counter protests organized by labour and community organizations to defend 2SLGBTQI+ rights. Sign your name to the #Act4QueerSafety digital campaign on the UFCW Canada action centre and support 2SLGBTQI+ organizations leading the resistance across Canada.

Bigotry and violence are a component of hate and hate is rising across Canada. According to Egale Human Rights, 6,423 anti-2SLGBTQI+ protests and instances of online hate were tracked across Canada, and that’s just during the first three months of 2023. Let’s show our solidarity with 2SLGBTQI+ students and human rights defenders!

Helpful resource: https://www.antihate.ca/pride_defence_guide