In a recent turn of events, delegates from the Conservative party in Quebec concluded a vote in favour of banning what they regard as “life-altering medicinal or surgical interventions” for transgender and gender-diverse minors under 18. Gathered for the final day of a three-day policy convention, members steered myriad policy changes spanning issues such as foreign affairs, healthcare, and environmental conversations.
The ruling, originating from a British Columbia riding, garnered the endorsement of 69% of the voting attendees. Within the context of the debate, a few delegates pitched speeches encouraging the adoption of the motion. Their position canvassed the notion that minors might be too immature to make decisions as critical and life-changing as transitioning.
However, the proposal wasn’t without opposition. Some contesters argued that healthcare falls strictly under provincial jurisdiction, not that of the federation. Additionally, it was suggested that age isn’t directly tied to consent, and any vote for the motion would signify a veering away from the liberties the Conservatives are known to uphold.
The interplay of gender identity and children’s rights is a growing focal point among conservatives globally, particularly in Canada and the United States. Yet, despite escalating pressure from social conservatives to dive into the debate, leaders like Poilievre have so far concentrated attention on affordability issues. This area of concern was at the forefront during his extensive speech that addressed over 2,500 convention attendees on Friday night.
In a similar vein, Saskatchewan and New Brunswick premiers have recently instituted directives requiring schools to acquire parental consent before children, age 16 or younger, can be addressed by a different name or pronoun.
This decision has sparked anger and worry among LGBTQ families and advocates, teachers’ unions, and child rights advocates in the respective provinces.
Meanwhile, Poilievre, when questioned about New Brunswick’s decision earlier in the year, expressed his stance on the issue. He suggested that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau should let the provinces and parents decide and should steer clear of the matter.
While he does not consider himself bound to incorporate policies favoured at policy conventions into a future election platform, Poilievre explained to journalists that he will take them into consideration. He refrained from commenting on any of the suggestions until the delegates voted.
Heather Stefanson, the Manitoba Progressive Conservative Leader, pledged more “parental rights” in matters of curriculum and presentations by external groups if her government is re-elected. This phrase tends to signify worries some families and individuals harbour regarding school teachings about gender expression and sexual orientation, especially concerning transgender and non-binary students.
Furthermore, another gender-focused resolution aimed at safeguarding “women’s spaces” also garnered approval, with a near 90% response in favour. This ruling essentially puts forth that women should have access to “single-sex spaces” in settings, including bathrooms, prisons, and sports.
Policies geared towards impeding transgender individuals from accessing spaces that resonate with their gender identity have been banned by a series of bills in the United States’ state legislatures.
