Anti-2SLGBTQIA+ protest denounced by Mississauga mayor

An anti-2SLGBTQIA+ protest aimed against teaching gender identity in schools heads to Mississauga and cities across Canada and Mayor Bonnie Crombie is speaking out against the rally.

Dubbed as the 1 Million March 4 Children, the protest today (Sept. 20), starting at 9 a.m., is planned for cities across Canada including Mississauga.

According to AntiHate.ca, organizers are “advocating for the elimination of the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) curriculum, pronouns, gender ideology and mixed bathrooms in schools.”

Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie released a statement denouncing the protests.

“Protests like the one planned today in Mississauga and in cities across the country only continue to further divide us, and undermine the rights and dignity of 2SLGBTQIA+ youth,” Crombie said in the statement.

“As Mayor and as a proud PFLAG parent, this disturbing rise in intolerance and discrimination towards the 2SLGBTQIA+ community is deeply unsettling and personally heartbreaking.”

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Crombie said she will continue to stand with all communities who find themselves faced with discrimination because of who they are, what they believe in or where they are from.

“As a society, we must always look forward, and never behind in the fight for equality. This protest is a sad reminder that our work never stops to ensure that Mississauga is a place where everyone is embraced, celebrated and respected,” the statement continues.

“As your Mayor, I will continue to promote principles of inclusivity and equality while spreading messages of love and acceptance for all because what lessens one of us, lessens all of us.”

Disheartened to hear of yet another protest taking place in #Mississauga today that’s main message is one of division, undermining the rights and dignity of our 2SLGBTQIA+ community. https://t.co/Dgu9Q2MhJ2 pic.twitter.com/OVdRKp1LIb

— Bonnie Crombie (@MayorCrombie) September 20, 2023