Advocates plea for feds to call inquiry into Alberta, Sask. trans laws
LGBTQ+ advocates say members of Parliament need to hear from those impacted by these laws, adding that some have taken their own lives since the policies were enacted.
Advocates in Ottawa are urging the federal government to initiate an inquiry into transgender-related laws in Alberta and Saskatchewan, which they claim have increased harassment, bullying, and mental health issues among transgender individuals. In Saskatchewan and Alberta, individuals under 16 need parental consent to alter their names or pronouns at school, while Alberta has additional restrictions that prevent transgender youth under 12 from participating in female amateur sports and limits access to gender-affirming medical care for minors.
These laws have sparked concern among LGBTQ+ advocates, who argue that the policies have caused some young people to contemplate suicide following their implementation. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe utilized the notwithstanding clause to protect their respective laws from judicial scrutiny. Both premiers argue that the school regulations are about parental rights, and Smith’s administration contends that her government's measures aim to protect female athletes and ensure that youth do not make irreversible, hasty decisions.
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