(November 13, 2024 – Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa, Ontario) – Today, the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) 2SLGBTQQIA+ Council strongly condemned legislation being advanced by the Government of Alberta that imposes restrictions that deny the rights of transgender youth, including limitations on gender-affirming care and mandating parental consent for pronoun use in schools.
“Transgender and Two-Spirit youth deserve safe, inclusive environments. This proposed legislation erodes their rights,” said Chair of AFN 2SLGBTQQIA+ Council, Headperson Tyler George. “The AFN 2S+ Council calls for immediate withdrawal of the bills and urges all involved parties to intervene, upholding the rights and dignity of transgender youth.”
On Thursday, October 31, 2024, the Alberta government introduced legislation to prohibit minors from receiving certain types of gender-affirming care, requiring parents be notified when a child wants to use a different name or pronoun in the classroom, and requiring that parents opt-in before their children are taught about sex in class.
“These policies are a step backward in the fight for inclusivity and equality,” said Chair of AFN 2SLGBTQQIA+ Council, Headperson Tyler George. “For many of our youth, especially those identifying as Two-Spirit or transgender, access to affirming care and safe educational environments is essential to their health and identity.”
“The AFN Executive Committee stands in full support of the AFN 2S+ Council in condemning this legislation,” said National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak. “Our children are a gift from the Creator and deserve every measure to ensure their safety, including the right to self-determination and affirming one’s gender through chosen pronouns. We call on the Government of Alberta to immediately withdraw this harmful legislation.”
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The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is a national advocacy organization that works to advance the collective aspirations of First Nations individuals and communities across Canada on matters of national or international nature and concern.
Contact Information:
Jon Adam Chen
Communications Officer
Assembly of First Nations
[email protected]
(343)-573-2229 (mobile)
Jamie Monastyrski
Press Secretary
Office of the National Chief
(613) 612-7229 (mobile)
[email protected]