On Wednesday, September 20^th, anti-2SLGBTQIA+ activists plan to rally on Parliament Hill as well as in a number of cities across the country for a so-called “Million Person March.” The organizers are planning protests at 80 locations across Canada, with large events planned in major cities.

The protesters, led by far-right extremist groups influenced by the homophobic and transphobic laws passed in the US, claim to be defending parental rights, but it is clear this is nothing more than yet another anti-2SLGBTQIA+ hate rally. The rhetoric used by these groups is reminiscent of decades-old stereotypes and slurs that brand 2SLGBTQIA+ people as “predators” and harmful to children. It is this kind of hate that has lead to an increase in assaults, harassment, and discrimination against 2SLGBTQIA people across the US and Canada in recent years.

As trade unionists who fight for solidarity and inclusion among workers, we cannot stand by and let this hate continue.

CEIU asks our members to:

• Join union members, leaders, and allies at one of the many peaceful counter-protests being organized in communities where protests are scheduled to be held. Check with your Federation of Labour or nearest Canadian Labour Congress District Labour Council for more information.

• Join the rally against anti-2SLGBTQIA+ hate in Ottawa.
• Amplify and support local, provincial and national allies who are leading the pushback against this growing hate movement, including  Egale, Momentum Canada, and the Canadian Anti-Hate Network.
• Encourage your Member of Parliamentand provincial, territorial, and municipal political leaders to condemn these protests.

CEIU stands with our 2SLGBTQIA members, communities, and all equity-deserving groups that are harmed by the rising levels of hate in our society.