Falcon must denounce homophobic and transphobic protests, says Paddon
Yesterday, Kevin Falcon was asked about a series of homophobic and transphobic protests taking place in B.C. and across Canada. Instead of denouncing the protests and supporting 2SLGBTQAI+ youth, Falcon claimed the protestors have “legitimate concerns.”
The protestors are calling for an end to SOGI, a series of best practices for educators to make schools welcoming and safe for students of all sexual orientations and gender identities. SOGI has been in place since 2016, when it was implemented by Falcon’s MLA Mike Bernier when he was Education Minister.
Later in the day, Falcon said he supports SOGI but did not denounce the hateful marches that seek to roll back the widely-supported policies that his party implemented.
Falcon and his party have a history of tolerating homophobic and transphobic voices. This includes Laurie Throness, who kept his seat in the BC Liberal Caucus despite endorsing conversion therapy, and Margaret Kunst, a Langley candidate who voted against rainbow crosswalks. Falcon has never said he will reject candidates like Throness and Kunst.
Kelli Paddon, Parliamentary Secretary for Gender Equity:
“By validating these hateful protests, Kevin Falcon is emboldening them and helping to spread homophobia and transphobia. If he supports SOGI, he needs to stand up with us and call these protests what they are: harmful and dangerous to queer young people. I am also calling on Falcon to clarify if anti-SOGI candidates will be allowed to run for the BCU Party.”