Gender identity motion is ‘done,’ says Ford
‘Will explore every option’ to prevent it from moving forward
TORONTO — Premier Doug Ford says he will do everything he can to put a stop to a controversial gender identity resolution passed by Progressive Conservative party members.
“It came from the floor and it’s non-binding, so it’s done,” Ford told reporters Monday.
Asked if he’s killing it, the premier replied: “It’s done.”
While it’s unclear what he can do given the matter was formally voted on and approved by members at the convention, a spokesperson for Ford said he “will explore every option as leader of the Ontario PC Party to prevent this resolution from moving forward.”
On Saturday, former leadership candidate Tanya Granic Allen proposed the resolution to discuss deeming gender identity a “Liberal ideology,” and also have it removed from the health curriculum.
Granic Allen, an outspoken sex-ed critic, lashed out at the premier on social media on Monday, saying via Twitter: “Doug Ford isn’t happy about the PC Party resolution that opposes ‘gender identity theory.’ But in last winter’s leadership campaign, Doug dismissed this theory as ‘liberal ideology.’
“Is Doug now flip-flopping on this issue?”
Education Minister Lisa Thompson said the motion “has nothing at all to do with government policy; it was a resolution put forward to impact a policy convention that is a year from now.”
NDP MPP Terence Kernaghan had pressed Thompson during question period about the issue.
“We’ve seen what this government has done already in rolling back the health and phys. ed. curriculum,” he said about Thompson’s move to revive the 1998 sex-ed curriculum while the ministry consults on wide-ranging education reforms.
“In statements to the press, Conservatives insisted this resolution represented a fringe view among PC members, even though it was supported by the overwhelming majority of convention delegates, many of whom are sitting across the floor right now,” said Kernaghan (London North Centre), his party’s critic for LGBTQ issues.
“… Trans people, their parents and their loved ones are scared; many tell me this resolution and the overwhelming support it received has put a target solidly on their backs.”
The move so concerned parents that the director and chair of the Toronto District School Board issued a letter saying the board “been vocal about its concern with regards to the inclusion of important topics such as online safety, gender identities, sexual orientation and consent” in the health curriculum.
“The TDSB believes that every student has a right to attend schools that are safe and inclusive. We have a responsibility guided by the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Education Act and supported by TDSB policies, to ensure that every student, such as LGBTQ students, feels included and reflected in our schools and classrooms and that the (curriculum ensures) the inclusion of the perspectives, experiences, rights and needs of historically and currently disenfranchised groups and communities.”
Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner called the PC resolution “shameful.”
“It is dangerous and irresponsible for any party, especially one with a majority government, to pass a resolution endorsing discrimination against anyone,” Schreiner said at Queen’s Park.