Hundreds attend protest/counter-protest
Protests for and against LGBTQ2S+ inclusive education took place in Windsor and across the country on Wednesday.
IN PICTURES: Anti-'gender ideology' protest and counter protest
The message was clear.
“School's don't get a pass on warping the minds of our little ones,” said Jeremy Palko, a leader with Parents For Parents’ Rights who spoke to a crowd upwards of 800 people at Dieppe Park Wednesday morning.
He made it known he wants to make sure school boards are not indoctrinating students about LGBTQ2SI+ issues and gender identity policies.
“The best interest of the children is known best by the parents,” Palko said.
The protest was part of a nationwide rally supporting 1 Million March 4 Children, a group claiming to stand together against gender ideology practices in schools.
Protest on Windsor's riverfront in Windsor, Ont., on Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023. (Bob Bellacicco/CTV News Windsor)
“We're here today for hopefully for a policy change on the sexual gender identity policy which excludes all parents regardless of the age of the child,” said Elton Robinson, spokesperson for Parents for Parents’ Rights.
A small group of about 30 counter-protested for their human rights, “Can we not all just respect that not everybody is straight, white and Christian,” said Hedy, who believes if parents are bothered, they should opt out of a system that is teaching their children something they don't want them to learn.
“There are families with two mothers. There are families with two fathers. There are families that have a single parent,” Hedy pointed out. “We all don't look the same. Why shouldn't children learn that there are people who are different?”
Palko agrees with that but says not all children mature at the same rate.
“The parents are the ones who know their children best and when those topics ought to be spoken about to their children, and you gotta leave it to the parents on when that happens,” Palko said.
Protest on Windsor's riverfront in Windsor, Ont., on Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023. (Bob Bellacicco/CTV News Windsor)
Samantha Brown was also one of the speakers, and said, “I am here because women and girls have lost our single sex spaces and because gender ideology is harming women and children and society at large."
She feels most parents at the rally want their kids to go to school without being told they may be a boy or a girl, or that they like different stereotypical activities.
She wants to know what is going on with her family and said, “If they're having a mental health struggle. Gender dysphoria is a monumental mental health struggle, and parents need to be involved if that's happening to their child.”
The rally marched from Dieppe Park to the public school board. The board wouldn't comment on the rally and march but did say they listen to concerns and suggestions through established protocols.
“Diversity in our community is a wonderful fact of life that we celebrate,” said PR officer Scott Scantlebury. “We don't just handle it or deal with it. We celebrate it.”
Robinson feels a solution is out there to be had, “There is an answer here if people can get together in the middle and find a solution that fits all.”
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Ibrahim Ali found guilty of killing 13-year-old girl in B.C.
A jury has found Ibrahim Ali guilty of killing a 13-year-old girl whose body was found in a Burnaby, B.C., park in 2017.
Minnesota grocery store clerk dies after customer impales him with a golf club, police say
A Minneapolis store clerk died after a customer beat him and impaled him with a golf club, police said. The 66-year-old clerk was attacked Friday at the Oak Grove Grocery, a small neighborhood store in a residential area near downtown Minneapolis. A 44-year-old suspect is jailed on suspicion of murder.
'Shadows of children': For the youngest hostages, life moves forward in whispers
After seven weeks held hostage in the tunnels of Gaza, they are finally free to laugh and chat and play. But some of the children who have come back from captivity are still reluctant to raise their voices above a whisper.
A Soviet-era statue of a Red Army commander taken down in Kyiv
City workers in Kyiv on Saturday dismantled an equestrian statue of a Red Army commander, the latest Soviet monument to be removed in the Ukrainian capital since Russia launched its full-scale invasion last year.
Protests at UN climate talks, from ceasefire calls to detainees, see 'shocking level of censorship'
Activists designated Saturday a day of protest at the COP28 summit in Dubai. But the rules of the game in the tightly controlled United Arab Emirates meant sharp restrictions on what demonstrators could say, where they could walk and what their signs could portray.
Bill 15: Quebec health reform passes after gov't invokes closure
After sitting through the night, early Saturday morning, members of the Quebec legislature finally passed Bill 15 to reform the health-care network, voting 75 to 27.
Marathon Conservative carbon tax filibuster ends after nearly 30 consecutive hours of House votes
The Conservative-prompted filibuster in the House of Commons ended Friday night, after MPs spent nearly 30 hours voting non-stop on the government's spending plans.
New U.S. aid for Ukraine by year-end seems increasingly of out reach as GOP ties it to border security
A deal to provide further U.S. assistance to Ukraine by year-end appears to be increasingly out of reach for President Joe Biden. The impasse is deepening in Congress despite dire warnings from the White House about the consequences of inaction as Republicans insist on pairing the aid with changes to America's immigration and border policies.
Israel presses ahead with bombarding Gaza, including areas it told Palestinians to evacuate to
Israeli warplanes struck parts of the Gaza Strip in relentless bombardment Saturday, hitting some of the dwindling bits of land it had told Palestinians to evacuate to in the territory's south. The strikes came a day after the United States vetoed a United Nations resolution demanding an immediate humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza, despite its wide support.
Kitchener
-
Multiple shots reportedly fired into Kitchener crowd
Police are investigating a shooting in a Kitchener neighbourhood that sent one person to hospital.
-
Attempted murder charge laid after police in Grey County find 'unresponsive infant'
One person is facing criminal charges in connection to an alleged attempted murder investigation at a home in Grey Highlands.
-
Seaforth, Ont. tractor removed from downtown building
A cheer from an assembled throng of onlookers greeted the removal of a tractor embedded in a building in downtown Seaforth since mid-October.
London
-
Attempted murder charge laid after police in Grey County find 'unresponsive infant'
One person is facing criminal charges in connection to an alleged attempted murder investigation at a home in Grey Highlands.
-
Despite cloudy conditions, record-breaking temperatures possible in London, Ont. region Saturday
London, Ont. might experience record-breaking temperatures, with a high of 14 degrees possible on Saturday. The record temperature for Dec. 9 was set in 1946 at 12.2 degrees.
-
'They stole my son, and they owe it to us to turn themselves in': A family’s plea to hit-and-run driver
Christine and Jeremy Empey are still coming to terms with the loss of their son Dominik, and adding to their pain is the fact the person responsible drove away and still hasn't come forward.
Barrie
-
Red light cameras installed at busy Cookstown intersection to increase road safety
With new red light cameras, the town of Innisfil is trying to protect drivers and pedestrians at the intersection of County Road 27 and Highway 89.
-
Several inflatable decorations destroyed by vandals in Barrie's east end
Multiple residents in Barrie's east end had their holiday decorations targeted and destroyed overnight.
-
Man fatally shot by police amid domestic disturbance in Newmarket: SIU
A man is dead after being shot by police officers amid a domestic disturbance north of Toronto Thursday night, the province’s police watchdog says.
Northern Ontario
-
Here's what Ontario experts say you need to know about the cost of the holidays
There is some optimism in the tea leaves this holiday season even as high prices and interest rates pinch the pockets of Ontarians – that’s the message from industry experts.
-
Tougher rules likely means fewer international students will come North
The federal government announced this week that international students who apply for a study permit will need to show they have more than $20,000 to cover their tuition and living expenses.
-
Marathon Conservative carbon tax filibuster ends after nearly 30 consecutive hours of House votes
The Conservative-prompted filibuster in the House of Commons ended Friday night, after MPs spent nearly 30 hours voting non-stop on the government's spending plans.
Ottawa
-
Here's how much it costs to rent an apartment in Ottawa in November
The average cost to rent a one-bedroom apartment in Ottawa surpassed $2,100 a month in November, as the average price of an apartment hit the highest levels of 2023.
-
Man facing impaired driving charge after hitting ditch on Hwy. 417
A driver is facing a 90-day licence suspension after crashing into a ditch off the Queensway.
-
Police in Quebec stop three impaired drivers Friday night
Police in western Quebec say officers stopped three impaired drivers in the space of about six hours Friday night and early Saturday morning.
Toronto
-
Here's what Ontario experts say you need to know about the cost of the holidays
There is some optimism in the tea leaves this holiday season even as high prices and interest rates pinch the pockets of Ontarians – that’s the message from industry experts.
-
Brampton youth arrested in mall assault investigation
Peel police have made an arrest in connection with an ongoing investigation into an assault at a mall in Brampton.
-
Man rushed to hospital with gunshot wounds after found lying on northern Toronto roadway
A man has been rushed to hospital with gunshot wounds after being found lying on the roadway near the intersection of Wilson Avenue and Highway 400.
Montreal
-
Bill 15: Quebec health reform passes after gov't invokes closure
After sitting through the night, early Saturday morning, members of the Quebec legislature finally passed Bill 15 to reform the health-care network, voting 75 to 27.
-
West Island naturopath fined $120,000 for recidivist 'illegal' practice
A Pointe-Claire naturopath has been ordered by the courts to pay $125,000 in fines for the illegal practice of medicine and for leading people to believe that he was authorized to perform acts reserved for members of the Quebec College of Physicians.
-
Quebec man charged with second-degree murder of toddler in daycare
A 34-year-old man has been charged with the second-degree murder of an 18-month-old toddler at a home daycare centre in the Lanaudiere region.
Atlantic
-
3 dead, 3 injured after collision in P.E.I.
The Queens District RCMP has arrested a 20-year-old man after a fatal collision in P.E.I. left three people dead and three others seriously injured.
-
Community groups step in to help Halifax's homeless population
A community takeover of two major tent encampments in the Halifax region sheds light on the gravity of the homeless crisis, but also exposes a contrast between the swift community mobilization and the government's sluggish response.
-
Maritimes to see heavy rain and strong winds Monday
A strengthening low pressure system will move out of the northeastern U.S., across northern New Brunswick, and over the Gaspe Peninsula of Quebec on Monday.
Winnipeg
-
'We will feel the absence': Brandon man's life and legacy remembered by community
Ben Hernandez's impact on the community went far beyond his business – something his family saw firsthand when the community learned of his death, prompting an outpouring of memories and tributes have been pouring in from the community.
-
Manitoba winter storm closes stretches of Trans-Canada Highway
The Trans-Canada Highway has been closed across much of western Manitoba as a winter storm rolls in Friday evening.
-
Winnipeg Transit strike avoided as union accepts offer
A looming strike for Winnipeg Transit workers has been avoided following a vote on a new deal this week.
Calgary
-
Broken water main in south Calgary floods basement of home under renovation
Firefighters dealt with a water main break in southwest Calgary Friday night.
-
'Brother, can you spare a dime?': Calgary transit fares to rise Jan. 1
Catching a ride on the CTrain will cost a bit more in 2024.
-
One of the largest international curling events underway in Swift Current
The Nutrien Ag Solutions Western Showdown, one of the largest International Curling Events of the season, is taking place in Swift Current.
Edmonton
-
Bouchard's three-point performance keeps Oilers streaking with 4-3 victory over Wild
Evan Bouchard has been red hot from the blue line for the Edmonton Oilers of late.
-
Parks Canada accepts recommendations from review into out-of-control fire in Banff
An independent review into a prescribed fire that led to evacuations in a popular tourist town in Banff National Park has made a series of recommendations to try to prevent it from happening again.
-
Alberta finance minister says he has not 'flip-flopped' on proposed pension change
Finance Minister Nate Horner — after promising any stand-alone Alberta pension plan would not follow the contentious Quebec model, then saying it might, then saying it won't — told reporters Friday that possibility is back on the table.
Vancouver
-
Ibrahim Ali found guilty of killing 13-year-old girl in B.C.
A jury has found Ibrahim Ali guilty of killing a 13-year-old girl whose body was found in a Burnaby, B.C., park in 2017.
-
RCMP seeking to dispose of evidence from Robert Pickton case, prompting concerns from advocates
The B.C. RCMP is seeking to return or dispose of thousands of pieces of evidence seized during the investigation into serial killer Robert Pickton, prompting concerns from advocates for missing and murdered women.
-
85-year-old man assaulted over parking at Penticton Walmart, RCMP say
Mounties in Penticton are asking the public for help identifying a man in a Seattle Seahawks sweatshirt who they say assaulted an 85-year-old over parking in the city this week.
