By Jessie Weisner

Local LGBTQ group hosts protest at UCP candidates office

Apr 9, 2019 | 4:42 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — Medicine Hat is the latest city to host a protest around the United Conservative Party’s controversial stance on Gay-Straight-Alliances.

“We’re just asking them to use that vote wisely to support the rights of LGBTQ2S people in Medicine Hat,” says Caelan Hart, Project Rainbow organizer. “Especially at risk and vulnerable youth who are looking to join GSA’s and QSA’s in our schools.”

Project Rainbow is hosting the protest outside of Cypress-Medicine Hat UCP candidate Drew Barnes’ office, expecting more than 100 people to attend in total.

“We’re hoping that people will use that vote to protect the rights of LGBTQ2s and all marginalized people in Medicine Hat,” says Hart.

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UCP leader Jason Kenney has vowed to replace Alberta’s School Act with the former Progressive Conservative government’s Education Act if he’s elected.

This would remove some of the protections for GSA members, potentially allowing teachers to out LGBTQ students to their parents.

Kenney’s visit to Medicine Hat yesterday attracted protest on that issue, and when asked about he thinks, he said sometimes telling parents is necessary.

“When we’re talking about younger kids especially those with mental emotional challenges, I think extenuating circumstances where a trained educators may determine its the best interest of the child to engage the support of loving parents,” says Kenney. “The position I’ve articulated is the same position as most Albertan’s.”

Cypress-Medicine Hat NDP candidate Peter Mueller attended the protest this afternoon, and disagrees with Kenney’s stance.

“I respect the rights of parents,” says Mueller. “I think parents in the best of circumstances would already know one way or the other about their child. If there’s secrets between parents and children maybe something is wrong, maybe something should be followed up on.”

Hart says it shouldn’t be up to teachers when kids come out to their parents.

“This isn’t even a conversation we should have to have in 2019,” says Hart. “If they’re providing a home environment where their children feel safe, they feel respected and they feel loved then their kids will come to their parents with issues like their sexuality and their gender.”

Similar protests are happening Tuesday in Lethbridge and Red Deer.

The group just hopes to spread awareness on the importance of a solid support system for vulnerable youth.

“Kids require that place where they can meet and feel accepted,” says Matrx Cavasos, a Project Rainbow volunteer. “It’s one of the most messed up times in life being in high school right, so taking support systems away from high schools doesn’t really help high schools at all.”

The rally runs until 7:00 p.m Tuesday, and Hart says everyone is welcome.