A resolution passed by Ontario's PC-majority government could mean trouble for Windsor-Essex's transgendered people, according to advocates.
During the PC's convention in Toronto Saturday, Resolution 4 was passed, which opens up debate concerning their recognition of gender identity. The resolution asks the government to consider removing gender identity from the curriculum in the province's schools.
According to Global News, the resolution is not binding and has not become law in Ontario. Members of Windsor-Essex's LGBTQ+ community are not seeing it that way, however. Jayce Carver, executive director of Windsor-Essex Transgender and Allied Support, immediately spoke out against the resolution.
"The membership and Board of W.E. Trans Support stand in solidarity with every other Ontarian today who was shocked by the hateful and transphobic Resolution 4 passed by the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario," said Carver in a media release. "The PCPO has proven with this resolution that it has no regard for science or human decency."
Carver fears that if the resolution eventually becomes part of policy, it would turn back the clock as far as transgender rights are concerned.
"A century ago, women who wore pants were verbally and physically assaulted, and arrested for 'trying to be men,'" said Carver. "We have made many great strides since then in the struggle to ensure each person's right to express themselves how they need and want is protected and strengthened, and the Ontario Conservatives reminded us that we still have a fight ahead."
The Ford government says that nothing is imminently planned to scale back on the promotion and teaching of gender identity. Instead, the PC's say they are opening up debate on the issue and allowing all concerned parties to speak about their views.