Locals make their voices heard

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This article was published 21/09/2023 (1132 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

More than 165 parents, grandparents and other concerned individuals gathered at Princess Park for the 1 Million March 4 Children on Wednesday, a peaceful demonstration aimed at addressing concerns over the education system’s handling of sensitive topics related to sexuality and gender.

The march, which saw approximately 167 adults and 20 children in attendance, kicked off at 11 a.m. after participants gathered at 9 a.m., carrying signs that echoed their concerns.

“For many of us, it started when we noticed that there were pornographic books in our schools, horrific books,” Brandon march organizer Lorraine Hackenschmidt told the Sun.

She said her initial request for a committee to review these materials was denied by the school board, adding that parents across Canada share the concerns about the indoctrination of children with sexual content and gender ideology.

Hackenschmidt explained that the movement is rooted in the belief that children should not be exposed to explicit materials or pressured into making decisions about their gender identity without parental consent.

“There is a need to protect children’s innocence and cited potential health risks associated with irreversible decisions made at a young age,” she said.

She expressed gratitude for the support from various communities, including those from Virden, Clear Lake and elsewhere who joined the march to advocate for changing the way sensitive topics are handled in schools.

Participant Ruth Brugger also emphasized the importance of parents’ rights in determining what their children are taught about sexuality in schools.

“I have concerns about sexually explicit books available to young children and how such content could negatively impact their mental well-being. The concept of sexual imprinting on the brain underscores the lasting effects of early exposure to explicit materials,” she said.

Another participant, Rhonda — who did not share her last name — chose to home school her child and encouraged other parents to stand up for what they believe is right. She acknowledged the challenges of homeschooling but highlighted the importance of providing children with quality education and instilling strong values.

People’s Party of Canada Brandon-Souris MP candidate Tylor Baer also expressed support for teachers who aim to protect children’s well-being and innocence.

“The movement was not an attack on teachers but a call to uphold parental rights and protect children from inappropriate content,” he told the Sun.

There was a moment of tension during the protest when an individual in front of Brandon University yelled at the participants.

“Love me for who I am or go get something else to do,” he yelled. This incident added a moment of heightened emotion to an otherwise peaceful gathering.

In a parallel development, some groups supporting pro-LGBTTQ+ and transgender education also organized a counter-protest, which reportedly outnumbered the original demonstrators in Winnipeg and a few other cities. Both groups engaged in chants and displayed protest placards.

Sarah Worthman, an LGBTQ advocate who is helping organize at least 63 counter-protests across the country, said Canadians need to stand up for the community outside of Pride events.

“Allyship is a verb,” she said, as she called on supporters to stand in solidarity with LGBTQ folks who have increasingly been the subject of hate and political debate by attending the No Space for Hate events.

“There’s this small but vocal minority of far-right individuals who constantly think they’re the majority, and that everyone shares their views,” Worthman said.

She said she hopes the planned counter-protests can help show most Canadians are generally supportive while countering the hateful messaging they expect from protesters.

“Doing these small things shows there is social pushback,” she said. “There is a real danger in all of this.”

» aodutola@brandonsun.com, with files from the Winnipeg Free Press

» X: @AbiolaOdutola