UPDATE: More than 300 protesters, counter-protesters rally about gender in Charlottetown
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CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — About 300 to 400 folks got here out to protest and counter-protest in a loud and at occasions violent rally in Charlottetown on Sept. 20.
Organizers and supporters of the 1MillionMarch4Children — a nationwide protest occasion concerning the function of gender and sexuality in faculties — held speeches in entrance of the Coles Constructing earlier than marching by the downtown to the Shaw Constructing.
They carried indicators with slogans like “a wholesome society defend our younger,” and “parental rights,” whereas chanting “depart our youngsters alone.”
About an excellent variety of counter-protesters, many carrying rainbow umbrellas and chanting “Defend trans youngsters,” got here out to satisfy what they name a hateful motion.
Protester
Matthew Haughn got here to the occasion as a result of he opposes instructing youngsters about gender and sexuality in class, he stated in an interview on the march.
He stated youngsters don’t take into consideration gender or sexuality until it’s pushed on them. They’re speculated to develop these concepts “organically,” he stated.
“I need there to not be any forcing of sexualization on youngsters,” he stated. “Why is there a celebration of transsexual youngsters, when youngsters hardly ever specific sexuality in any respect?”
It’s OK for youngsters to really feel they’re transgender or gown the best way they need, however it’s mistaken for minors to have surgical procedure or be placed on treatment, he stated.
Counters
Caitlin Wildman and Jason Buote, a part of the counter-protest, informed SaltWire they have been there to assist the queer group.
“Anybody who doesn’t stay beneath a rock is aware of that this type of hate has been rising over time,” Buote stated.
Going ahead, they each stated they wish to see extra public assist from native authorities and leaders.
The day of the march, the City of Stratford posted a message of assist for transgender residents on its social media, Wildman stated.
“It could be very nice if the Metropolis of Charlottetown and political leaders would really try to defend the trans and homosexual group that they at all times attempt to pander to.”
Violence
Whereas the preliminary rally was loud and rambunctious, it seemed to be peaceable. Issues received heated and violent throughout the march.
Counter-protesters adopted the march, and there have been confrontations all through the route. SaltWire witnessed a number of shoving matches that ended solely when different folks intervened.
The route was blocked off on the ends and corners by police vehicles, however they didn’t cease any of the shoving witnessed by SaltWire. Extra police arrived on the finish of the march, the place a second rally continued for near an hour.
Dozens of kids of all ages have been among the many crowd, and a number of other of them destroyed the indicators of counter-protesters throughout the march.
Exterior the Shaw Constructing, youngsters tore up a paper transgender delight signal and stomped on a fabric rainbow flag as middle-aged adults appeared on, some holding the indicators to the bottom.
SaltWire requested the adults in the event that they supported youngsters destroying flags, however nobody responded.
One grownup protester tried to mild a delight flag on hearth — burning a small gap in it – however the flag was pulled away.
Logan MacLean is a municipal reporter with SaltWire in Prince Edward Island. He might be reached by electronic mail at [email protected] and adopted on X @loganmaclean94.
