Many Calgarians spoke out Thursday against the Alberta government’s new rules affecting transgender youth.
Students from Westmount Charter School walked out of class to protest Bill 9. They said they want people in the school and community to understand the issue and support them.
Bill 9 was introduced earlier this week. The province used the notwithstanding clause to push it forward. The bill includes several major restrictions, such as:
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Banning hormone therapy for youth under 16 and gender-affirming surgery for anyone under 18
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Requiring parental consent for pronoun changes at school
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Making sexual-health classes “opt-in”
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Preventing trans athletes over 12 from joining female sports unless they prove their gender at birth
Students said they walked out to make their voices heard and support their trans classmates.
The government has now used the notwithstanding clause twice in a month, including earlier to force teachers back to work. Officials said both decisions were needed to protect children.
Thursday was also the Trans Day of Remembrance. That evening, more than 1,000 activists and supporters rallied at Calgary’s McDougall Centre, chanting “No to notwithstanding.”
Speakers warned that using the clause to pass harmful policies threatens everyone’s rights and sets a dangerous precedent.
