UCP legislative members banned from Alberta Pride events

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EDMONTON — An Alberta queer community organizer says the United Conservative Party's Pride ban on lawmakers is a challenge for Premier Danielle Smith to match words with actions.

“There's no reason to invite the UCP to participate in our cultural celebrations when they're legislating against us,” Queer Citizens United spokesman James Demers said in an interview Tuesday.

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“They're trying to appeal to their radicalized right-wing base by attacking passionate people.”

Demers' comments came after the organization, which represents 14 groups in Calgary, announced Friday that members of Smith's caucus would not be able to participate in Pride events this summer.

It said the ban was a rebuke to the prime minister for changes to the rules and legislation passed later this year regarding transgender and queer people.

Alberta recommends that students 15 years of age and younger obtain parental consent to change their preferred names or pronouns at school. For 16 and 17 year olds, their parents should be informed.

Smith also pledged to ban medical treatment for some transgender minors and ensure that sports leagues are only for biologically female players.

By limiting medical treatment, Demers said, UCP interferes with decisions made between parents, their child and their doctor.

Friday's announcement coincided with the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.

That same day, Alberta's Minister of Culture, Tanya Feare, issued a statement saying the government stands against all forms of discrimination.

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Demers called Feer's statement “a cruel joke at best” and said the group was trying to portray itself as a supportive ally of the government.

“They are a violently discriminatory and homophobic and transphobic party,” said Demers, who is transgender.

In the legislature Tuesday, Fehr, who attended Pride events last summer, including in Calgary and Red Deer, told reporters that these events should bring people together.

“It was disappointing to get the news and have it removed,” he said.

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Queer Citizens United said the proposed changes threaten the safety and well-being of their community. But Feer said he believes the new rules will be more balanced and compassionate.

“They're about protecting children's rights to make decisions as adults,” she said.

In response to Friday's letter, Fir denied that his ministry could deny community grants to Pride organizations.

Lizette Tejada, the opposition NDP's critic for LGBTQ+ issues, said pride groups justified the exclusion of the United Conservatives.

“We have a government that is proposing policies that are actively damaging,” Tejada said.

Alberta follows New Brunswick and Saskatchewan in requiring parental involvement when a child wants to change their name or names at school.

In Saskatchewan, Pride organizers in Regina have responded by turning down Premier Scott Moe's request for the Saskatchewan Party to participate in the capital event this summer.

This Canadian Press report was first published on May 21, 2024.

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