Saskatchewan Party MLAs Banned from Regina Pride Parade Due to School Pronoun Law
The annual Regina Pride Parade, a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community, is set to take place on June 12th. However, this year, members of the Saskatchewan Party will not be allowed to participate in the event.
The decision to bar Saskatchewan Party MLAs from the parade was made by the Regina Pride Parade Committee in response to the party’s stance on Bill 64, also known as the “Pronoun Law”. This law, which was introduced by the Saskatchewan Party, requires schools to obtain parental consent before discussing gender identity and sexual orientation with students.
According to the committee, the law goes against the values of inclusivity and acceptance that the Pride Parade stands for. In a statement, the committee stated that they “cannot in good conscience allow those who support and promote discriminatory legislation to participate in our event.”
The decision has sparked controversy, with some accusing the committee of being biased and not allowing differing opinions. However, the committee maintains that their decision is based on the party’s actions and not their beliefs.
In response to the ban, Saskatchewan Party leader, Scott Moe, expressed disappointment and stated that the party has always been supportive of the LGBTQ+ community. He also stated that the party will continue to work towards creating a safe and inclusive environment for all students.
This is not the first time the Pride Parade has faced controversy. In 2019, the parade was met with protests from anti-LGBTQ+ groups, but the event went on as planned with no major incidents.
The Regina Pride Parade Committee has made it clear that their decision is final and that they will not be changing their stance. They have also invited all MLAs to attend the parade as individuals, but not as representatives of the Saskatchewan Party.
As the debate over Bill 64 and the ban on Saskatchewan Party MLAs continues, the Pride Parade remains a symbol of love, acceptance, and equality for the LGBTQ+ community.
