Deck: The Liberals, NDP and mainstream media are working overtime to discredit Alberta's reasonable stance on gender

I’m a gay man on the liberal left who was raised in the 1960s. I am fully aware of the fear and dangers of outing, the mental health issues faced by LGB and T communities around stigma and demonization and the hard-won battles we fought for our civil rights and social acceptance. Yet I’m baffled by the hysterical reaction to Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s quite reasonable policies for minors who announce as trans.

Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.

Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Don't have an account? Create Account

Smith declared last week that forthcoming policies and legislation will restrict double mastectomies and genital surgeries for trans-identifying minors in her province. Cross-sex hormones and blockers will be reserved for those over 15, except for those currently in treatment. Parental approval will be required for schools to use new names and pronouns for kids under 16, sex-based rules for sport will be explored and any third-party sex-ed materials will require ministerial approval for classroom use. Parents will also have to opt-in to specific instructions on sex and gender.

Liberal, NDP and mainstream media heads have exploded ever since Smith’s announcement. Federal Women and Gender Equality Minister Marci Ien called Smith’s policies “reprehensible.” NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh said he knows many Albertans who are “scared for their future.” Federal Health Minister Mark Holland accused Smith of “playing politics with children’s lives.”

And Employment Minister Randy Boissonnault is prepped for war: “This is our NATO moment,” he said Thursday. “An attack on one of our communities is an attack on us all.”

This newsletter tackles hot topics with boldness, verve and wit.........

© National Post