Ontario PC Party passes resolution to debate gender identity theory

The first big gathering for Ontario’s Progressive Conservative party since Doug Ford was elected Premier happened over the weekend. The PC party convention began last night, and while it’s mainly a celebration of Ford’s victory, today, party resolutions were passed, and one in particular about gender identity is getting quite a bit of blow-back.

Among the resolutions that passed today by the Progressive Conservatives, was known as Resolution R4, right as Transgender Awareness Week draws to a close.

Be it resolved that an Ontario PC party recognizes “gender identity theory” for what it is, namely, a highly controversial, unscientific Liberal ideology; and, as such, that an Ontario PC Government will remove the teaching and promotion of “gender identity theory” from Ontario schools and its curriculum.

It was put forward by former PC leadership candidate Tanya Granic Allen, who has come under fire in the past for her views on the LGBTQ community.

The resolution was approved by the party for further discussion, but is not yet party policy. That won’t happen until it is formally voted on at the next convention, but some critics say they are concerned that the issue is even being debated.

Ontario NDP leader Andrea Horwath also tweeted this out today.

“I’m appalled that the Ford Conservatives would endorse a resolution that attacks trans people and their rights. Trans rights are human rights in Ontario and New Democrats stand with LGBTQ people against this dangerous position that drags our province backwards.”

Cole Gately, chair of the Hamilton Trans Health Coalition, says he couldn’t agree more, voicing his concern today for LGBTQ youth.

Gately also said had gender non-conformity been part of the discussion in the classroom when he was younger, his trans journey would have been easier.