Pride societies oppose UCP policy proposal

Friday was International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, and several dozen supporters rallied in Calgary's Beltline community to raise awareness of rights and violations.

A coalition of 14 pride societies has written to Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and the UCP that they have been banned from this year's Pride celebration.

It's a response to the provincial government's gender policy proposal, which targets trans Albertans in relation to medical treatment, the use of pronouns and preferred names in school and participation in sports.

“It's a response to the troubling rhetoric we're seeing from political parties, organizations, people, the internet … that is increasingly homophobic,” said Queer Citizens United rally organizer Victoria Bucholz.

“We're here to say it's wrong, and the majority of Canadians don't support it.”

The new law will be proposed this autumn.

The province responded to the Pride ban by saying it supports and celebrates Albertans and will continue to ensure that everyone feels valued, respected and at home in Alberta.