Dozens rally in Medicine Hat to protect parental rights

“It is a crucial point in their lives where they can be easily influenced and swayed by people that do not really have their best interests at heart,” Martinoff told CHAT News.

“Let’s support our youth. I don’t care if you’re LGB or whatever. Let them grow up without without surgical interventions and puberty blockers that are irreversible,” she added.

“Let them make those decisions as an adult.”

After a march from Athletic Park, several rallygoers took to a microphone set up on the front steps of city hall to speak against ideology teachings, sexual indoctrination and educators who skirt parental permission.

Cate Martinoff says the rally received lots of support. Eli J. Ridder/CHAT News

One of the speakers, Pastor Brett Robertson of the Evangelical Free Church of Medicine Hat, said gender transitions are a sin and that children must be brought to Christ.

Near the end of the rally, a masked individual took an opportunity to speak.

“I want to thank everyone for coming out here on a work day. Nazi punks, f*** off,” they said to laughs from the crowd before quickly leaving the area.

Martinoff said she would’ve been willing to meet “for a cup of coffee” with the unidentified speaker if she had the chance.

Meanwhile, the Prairie Pride Guild hosted a solidarity event at the Medicine Hat Public Library on Friday afternoon to provide those in need with support.

Premier Danielle Smith earlier this year revealed sweeping gender identity and sexual education rules that included a ban on reassignment surgeries for certain ages and required parental notification and opt-in for classroom instruction on sexuality.

While the new policies still require legislative approval, Marinoff said Smith is doing “a dynamic job.”

However, Marinoff said she is concerned that vulnerable developmentally-challenged adults, who she has worked with, are at risk of making inappropriate decisions.

“I’ve people that are on the autism spectrum are very malleable. They have very poor boundaries, and they are gender fluid,” Marinoff said.

Gayle Dillman, one of the organizers, says she is concerned with what’s happening in schools. Eli J. Ridder/CHAT News

Organizers said they will hold the annual “hands off” rallies for “the next 10 years.” They added that there could be another event later this year.

Kim Large, a director with the Prairie Pride Guild of Medicine Hat and District, has a transgender child.

She told CHAT News on Thursday that schools are currently allowing these kids to be themselves, which is not hurting anyone.

Large said those who are trans and non-binary represent one in every 270 people in Alberta and are a marginalized community that is being harassed.

“That is a very, very small number, so what they’re saying is happening is just not happening,” Large said.

“All kids deserve the right to be respected and have a safe learning environment, all kids deserve to be at school and all kids deserve to be who they are,” she added.

“Your discomfort of something doesn’t give you the right to take away human rights.”

— with files from Jesse Gill

by Eli J. Ridder

Dozens rally in Medicine Hat to protect parental rights

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