transgender

Friday February 9, 2024

Pierre Poilievre's backing of Alberta's controversial transgender policies seems more about playing to social conservatives than considering the potential harm to vulnerable youth.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday February 9, 2024

Pierre Poilievre’s Defence of Alberta’s Transgender Policies: A Dangerous Culture War at the Expense of Marginalized Youth

Alberta's Urgent Issues Overshadowed by Premier Smith's Controversial Policies

February 3, 2024

In recent days, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has found himself at the centre of a contentious debate surrounding Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s controversial transgender policies. Poilievre’s vocal support for Smith’s measures raises concerns about the Conservative Party’s priorities and its willingness to engage in a culture war that may have detrimental effects on a small, marginalized group – transgender youth.

Poilievre’s defence of Smith’s policies revolves around the idea that parents should have more say over their children’s lives, particularly when it comes to sensitive matters like gender identity. While advocating for parental involvement is not inherently problematic, Poilievre seems to be echoing Smith’s stance without critically examining the potential harm these policies could inflict on transgender youth.

The focus on parental consent for preferred names and pronouns in schools, as well as restrictions on medical interventions such as puberty blockers and hormone therapy, appears to be more about currying favour with a social conservative base than safeguarding the well-being of transgender individuals. By aligning himself with Smith’s controversial policies, Poilievre is punching down on a vulnerable and marginalized group, using them as pawns in a larger culture war.

News: Pierre Poilievre defends Alberta Premier Smith on transgender policies

May 26, 2023

One of the most alarming aspects of Smith’s proposals is the ban on “top” and “bottom” surgeries for minors aged 17 and under. This goes against established standards of care and seems to prioritize a rigid ideological stance over the well-being of transgender youth who may benefit from these medical interventions. Poilievre’s failure to critically assess these measures raises questions about his commitment to evidence-based policy and the rights of transgender individuals.

Additionally, Smith’s attempt to exclude trans women and girls from women’s sports under the guise of safety and fairness is a thinly veiled discriminatory measure. Poilievre’s endorsement of such policies further emphasizes the Conservative Party’s alignment with socially conservative groups rather than standing up for the rights of all Canadians.

News: Conservatives tell MPs not to comment on Alberta transgender policies, prioritize parental rights, internal e-mail shows  

June 24, 2021

The condemnation of Smith’s policies by LGBTQ groups, trans advocates, and medical associations highlights the potential harm they could inflict on transgender youth. The Canadian Pediatric Society emphasizes the importance of gender-affirming medical interventions for some adolescents, citing lower odds of suicidal ideation associated with access to puberty blockers.

In contrast, Poilievre’s defense of these policies without addressing the concerns raised by experts and advocacy groups appears to be a calculated move to exploit a divisive issue for political gain. This approach not only disregards the well-being of transgender youth but also perpetuates a harmful narrative that can contribute to the stigmatization and marginalization of an already vulnerable community.

Pierre Poilievre’s support for Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s transgender policies raises serious questions about the Conservative Party’s priorities and commitment to inclusivity. By aligning with divisive measures that target a small and marginalized group, Poilievre appears to be prioritizing political posturing over the well-being and rights of transgender youth, perpetuating a dangerous culture war at their expense. (AI)

 

Saturday February 3, 2024

Alberta's Urgent Issues Overshadowed by Premier Smith's Controversial Policies

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday February 3, 2024

Alberta’s Urgent Issues Overshadowed by Premier Smith’s Controversial Policies

In the vast landscape of pressing challenges faced by Alberta, Premier Danielle Smith’s recent unveiling of sweeping changes to the province’s policies, particularly those related to transgender youth, has sparked a divisive debate. While the issue at hand deserves attention and discussion, it is crucial to recognize that this might be a calculated distraction from more critical and urgent issues that demand the government’s immediate focus.

December 2, 2022

Alberta is grappling with a multifaceted crisis that includes a strained healthcare system, an opioid epidemic, a severe shortage of doctors, and a growing crisis of homelessness and housing. These challenges directly impact the well-being of Albertans on a daily basis and require comprehensive and immediate solutions. Yet, Premier Smith’s policy changes, while significant, seem to divert attention from these urgent matters.

In shaping herself as the northern version of American anti-“woke” governors, such as Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida, Premier Smith appears to be strategically appealing to her far-right conservative base. By focusing on controversial issues related to gender identity and sports, she risks sidelining the broader concerns that affect the entire population.

News: Danielle Smith unveils sweeping changes to Alberta’s student gender identity, sports and surgery policies  

October 14, 2022

The policies, as announced, have faced criticism for going further than those in other provinces like Saskatchewan and New Brunswick. Critics argue that these changes not only interfere ideologically in the provision of necessary healthcare for trans and gender-diverse young people but also pose a risk of forcing vulnerable individuals back into the closet or even homelessness.

While the transgender youth policy is indeed important, it must be viewed in the context of the more immediate crises confronting the province. The hospital emergency room crisis, exacerbated by the ongoing pandemic, demands urgent attention and resources to ensure the well-being of all Albertans. The opioid crisis continues to claim lives, necessitating a comprehensive strategy for addiction treatment and harm reduction.

Moreover, the severe shortage of doctors is a systemic issue that requires proactive measures to attract and retain healthcare professionals in the province. Addressing homelessness and the housing crisis is paramount to ensuring the basic dignity and security of Alberta’s citizens.

May 31, 2023

May 31, 2023

Groups supporting transgender rights, including Skipping Stone Foundation and Egale Canada, have condemned Smith’s policies, calling them a direct and unprecedented attack on 2SLGBTQI+ Canadians and trans and gender-diverse youth. Legal battles are looming, with promises to challenge the constitutionality of the measures in court.

Moreover, the proposed restrictions have drawn international concern, with Canada’s health minister labeling them “extremely dangerous.” The potential impact on children’s lives has sparked strong condemnations from Liberal ministers, emphasizing that issues surrounding kids’ reproductive health should not be turned into political stunts.

Doctors in the province have criticized Premier Smith for making medically “false” statements about transgender youth care and gender reassignment surgery. The lack of consultation with medical professionals raises questions about the evidence behind these policies and whether they are based on ideology rather than scientific literature.

News: Alberta premier’s policy changes around trans youth could be harmful: doctors 

November 15, 2022

As Alberta’s healthcare professionals express concerns about the potential harm these policies may inflict on vulnerable youth, it becomes evident that the government should prioritize a broader and more inclusive dialogue. In a province facing numerous urgent crises, it is vital to ensure that policies are rooted in evidence, consultation, and a genuine commitment to the well-being of all citizens.

While the issue of transgender youth and related policies deserves thoughtful consideration, Premier Smith’s approach risks overshadowing the more immediate and critical challenges faced by the people of Alberta. It is time for a nuanced, evidence-based approach that addresses urgent issues without sacrificing the well-being of any segment of the population for political gain. (AI)

Friday July 28, 2017

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday July 28, 2017

White House reveals Trump only decided on transgender ban yesterday

President Donald Trump sent out a series of tweets Wednesday morning saying that transgender people wouldn’t be allowed to serve in the U.S. military ‘in any capacity’ with no plan in place for active duty transgender personnel.  

February 3, 2017

‘This was a decision based on what was the best for the military and military cohesion and on the counsel of his national security team,’ said White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who was bombarded with questions about the ban at a televised press briefing.

With no details available, she offered no immediate assurance that a transgender service member wouldn’t have to get sent home from a deployment in a place like Afghanistan.

‘That’s something that the Department of Defense and the White House will have to work together as implementation takes place and is done so lawfully,’ Huckabee Sanders said. 

‘The implementation of the policy is going to be something that the White House and the Department of Defense have to work together to lawfully determine.’

Her comment came after a flat-footed Pentagon spokesman told reporters asking for details about the new policy announced on Twitter to ‘call the White House.’

Huckabee Sanders said Trump reached the decision ‘based on consultation that he’s had with his national security team’ to reach the conclusion.

She repeatedly cited ‘unit cohesion’ as the reason, and batted back inquiries about Trump’s campaign statements to be there to protect gay, lesbian, and transgender Americans.  

‘When the president made the decision yesterday, the secretary of defense was immediately informed, of as were the rest of the national security team that had been part of this ongoing conversation,’ said Huckabee Sanders.

‘Sometimes you have to make decisions and once he made a decision, he didn’t feel it was necessary to hold that decision and they’re going to work together with the Department of Defense to lawfully implement it,’ she said.(Source: Daily Mail)  

 

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Thursday May 19, 2016

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator Ð Thursday May 19, 2016 Some Conservatives now ready to support bill on transgender rights When C-279, the private member's bill that would have added gender identity to the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Criminal Code, came before the House of Commons for a vote in 2013, Conservative MPs Rona Ambrose and Tony Clement voted against it. This time around, Ambrose and Clement say they will be voting in favour when the Liberal government's bill to add gender identity to the human rights act and the code, C-16, comes before the House for a vote. Neither vote is likely to be crucial to the bill's success: with Liberal and NDP support, the bill should pass the House of Commons comfortably. But they could mark a change of opinion that might still be significant. Clement pointed to the influence he takes from his three children. "I have three children, ages 24, 22 and 18. They span the political spectrum but in their generation this is a foregone issue," he said. "They don't even understand why this would be debated.Ó He also says it makes sense that transgender Canadians should be included among those who have their rights acknowledged. While Liberals, New Democrats and 18 Conservatives supported the bill tabled by NDP Randall Garrison, Conservatives accounted for all of the 137 votes opposed. Clement says that in 2013, the advice to Conservatives from the Justice Department was that the bill was unnecessary because gender identity was already covered by the law. Ambrose and Clement follow Conservative MP David Tilson who told CBC News on Monday that his view had changed since voting against C-279 in 2013. That change of opinion is not unanimous. Conservative Senator Don Plett, who opposed C-279 and moved amendments that excluded areas such as bathrooms from the bill's provisions, told reporters on Tuesday that his position has not changed. "You know my feeling on transgender rights," he said. "They hav

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday May 19, 2016

Some Conservatives now ready to support bill on transgender rights

When C-279, the private member’s bill that would have added gender identity to the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Criminal Code, came before the House of Commons for a vote in 2013, Conservative MPs Rona Ambrose and Tony Clement voted against it.

This time around, Ambrose and Clement say they will be voting in favour when the Liberal government’s bill to add gender identity to the human rights act and the code, C-16, comes before the House for a vote.

Neither vote is likely to be crucial to the bill’s success: with Liberal and NDP support, the bill should pass the House of Commons comfortably. But they could mark a change of opinion that might still be significant.

 

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Clement pointed to the influence he takes from his three children. “I have three children, ages 24, 22 and 18. They span the political spectrum but in their generation this is a foregone issue,” he said. “They don’t even understand why this would be debated.”

He also says it makes sense that transgender Canadians should be included among those who have their rights acknowledged.

While Liberals, New Democrats and 18 Conservatives supported the bill tabled by NDP Randall Garrison, Conservatives accounted for all of the 137 votes opposed. Clement says that in 2013, the advice to Conservatives from the Justice Department was that the bill was unnecessary because gender identity was already covered by the law.

Ambrose and Clement follow Conservative MP David Tilson who told CBC News on Monday that his view had changed since voting against C-279 in 2013.

That change of opinion is not unanimous.

Conservative Senator Don Plett, who opposed C-279 and moved amendments that excluded areas such as bathrooms from the bill’s provisions, told reporters on Tuesday that his position has not changed. “You know my feeling on transgender rights,” he said. “They haven’t changed since the last time I spoke about it … They probably will not change.”

Two Conservative senators who supported Plett’s amendments, Denise Batters and Paul McIntyre, said Tuesday that they would be reviewing the legislation.

Those votes may matter more so. Plett is still a member of the Senate’s legal and constitutional affairs committee and while the Liberals have a majority in the House, Conservatives have a plurality in the Senate. (Source: CBC News)