homophobia – mackaycartoons

Thursday September 21, 2023

September 21, 2023 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday September 21, 2023

A Complex Blend of Inclusion and Intolerance

February 8, 2022

In the past, the “1 Million March 4 Children” gathered to protest queer-inclusive policies in schools. However, this event featured a confusing mix of activists, some aligned with intolerant ideologies. Questions arose about the true nature of this movement.

The 1 Million March 4 Children drew attention, with counter-protests emerging. Yet, the protests lacked clarity due to diverse participants, including Christian Nationalists, conservative Muslims, conspiracy theorists, and anti-education activists. This lack of cohesion raised concerns.

Under #1MillionMarch4Children, two main groups, Family ❤️ Freedom and Hands Off Our Kids, stood out. The former appeared more secular and inclusive, while the latter leaned religious and anti-queer. Both opposed queer-inclusive education in schools.

News: Hundreds of protesters, counterprotesters descend on HWDSB office

May 4, 2023

Despite confusion, local organizations took safety measures and organized counter-protests. The discourse surrounding these protests mirrored transphobic narratives from the UK and the US, indicating an alarming trend of intolerance in Canada.

These protests were far from unified, highlighting the challenges in achieving inclusive education. Activists must collaborate with local organizations to protect LGBTQ2S+ rights and preserve inclusive education. Education remains a powerful tool for fostering acceptance; it must not be undermined.(AI)

Thursday June 24, 2021

July 1, 2021 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday June 24, 2021

Bill to restrict conversion therapy passes House, heads to Senate

June 10, 2021

The government’s bill to restrict conversion therapy has passed through the House of Commons and is now headed to the Senate.

Bill C-6 passed 263-63 with support from the Bloc Québécois and the NDP. Although many Conservatives MPs voted against it, Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole voted in favour.

Conversion therapy is an attempt to change a person’s sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

If successful, the government’s amendment of the Criminal Code would make it illegal to force a minor or non-consenting adult to: undergo conversion therapy; take a minor abroad for conversion therapy; or promote, advertise, or benefit from the provision of conversion therapy, among other things.

August 27, 2019

In March, Conservative MP Tamara Jansen tabled a petition in the House on the definition of conversion therapy in the bill. She, and some of her House colleagues, have argued that the bill would criminalize normal conversations between children and parents about sexuality.

The legislation was first introduced in March 2020, then reintroduced last October after Parliament was prorogued in August.

Earlier on Tuesday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau asked the NDP and Bloc to support “pieces of legislation” he said would make a difference to Canadians, including Bill C-6.

May 31, 2016

“There’s also a time to work together … as we move (to pass) some really important pieces of legislation today (by) supporting the LGBTQ community by banning conversion therapy,” Trudeau said. “The Conservatives don’t want us to do that, but we will, with the support of the NDP and the Bloc.”

After Tuesday’s vote, Conservative Justice critic Rob Moore, who voted against the bill, said in a statement that a Conservative government would introduce a bill that better defines conversion therapy.

“At committee, Conservatives introduced an amendment that would better clarify the definition of conversion therapy in the bill to target coercive practices,” the statement reads. “The Liberals ignored reasonable efforts to build a consensus and strengthen the bill.”

C-6 could be introduced at first reading in the Senate before the chamber rises at 9 p.m. on Tuesday. (iPolitics)

Friday January 22, 2021

January 29, 2021 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday January 22, 2021

Conservatives have voted to expel Derek Sloan from caucus

August 25, 2020

Conservative MPs today voted to expel Derek Sloan from caucus after the eastern Ontario MP accepted a donation from a notorious white nationalist.

Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole initiated the ouster earlier this week after news emerged that Paul Fromm — whose ties to white supremacist and neo-Nazi causes have long been documented — had contributed $131 to Sloan’s leadership campaign.

Sloan fought against the vote, saying he was unaware of the source of the donation because Fromm used his full name, Frederick P. Fromm.

Conservatives voted by secret ballot today, with the majority of MPs voting to remove Sloan from their benches.

In a statement issued this afternoon, O’Toole called the donation the “last straw.”

July 16, 2020

“The Conservative caucus voted to remove Derek Sloan not because of one specific event, but because of a pattern of destructive behaviour involving multiple incidents and disrespect towards the Conservative team for over a year,” he said.

“These actions have been a consistent distraction from our efforts to grow the party and focus on the work we need to do. Events of the past week were simply the last straw and led to our caucus making the decision it did today.”

News of Fromm’s contribution was first reported by PressProgress, a non-profit news website funded by the left-leaning Broadbent Institute.

Sloan, who was elected in 2019 to represent the riding of Hastings—Lennox and Addington, argued his team couldn’t vet every donation to his leadership campaign last year. (CBC)