Hundreds of protesters and counter-protesters rally in Kitchener, Guelph over LGBTQ rights in schools

Hundreds of demonstrators as well as counter-protesters filled public squares and streets in front of city halls in Guelph and Kitchener on Wednesday morning.

A demonstration called the 1 Million March 4 Children was staged in multiple Canadian cities. The organizers say on their website that the purpose of the demonstration is to advocate for the "elimination of the sexual orientation and gender identity curriculum, pronouns, gender ideology and mixed bathrooms in schools."

The organizers encouraged students to participate in a countrywide school walkout on Wednesday.

In Kitchener, more than 1,000 protesters and counter-protesters crowded into the Carl Zehr public square, spilling onto the sidewalk in front of city hall on King Street West.

In Guelph, about 500 people were outside the city hall building on Carden Street — the majority of them were counter-protesters. Police closed Carden Street to vehicles for much of the morning.

WATCH | Counter-protesters, protesters in Guelph share why they participated in demonstrations:

Protest, counter-protest over LGBTQ school policies held in Guelph

11 hours ago

Duration 3:33

About 500 people gathered in front of Guelph's city hall Wednesday. About 150 people were there to protest LGBTQ school policies and the rest were counter-protesters who chanted "no room for hate."

School board aims to create 'inclusive, safe spaces'

In a statement on Tuesday, the Waterloo Region District School Board said "underlying some of the motivations behind these demonstrations are hate and inaccuracies about what is happening in schools."

"We continue to focus on creating inclusive, safe spaces, and ensure the well-being of all students and staff that affirm the lived experiences and identities of students and families, especially those most marginalized," the board statement said.

The board noted the curriculum taught in all public schools is "aligned with and follows the directions of the Ministry of Education."

"The impact the Sept. 20 demonstrations may have on 2SLGBTQIA+ students, staff and families is worrying," the board said, adding if there are concerns about a student's mental health or well-being, parents or students should reach out to their school's administration.

"We have also heard from some members of our community that they are concerned that the protests may increase acts of hate in the region. To all students and families: we are listening and want to reassure you that we denounce all forms of hate," the board statement said.

The Waterloo Catholic District School Board sent a notice to school administrators last week about the planned demonstrations.

"Given the focus of the protest, it is likely that some students will be absent from school on this day in a show of support for this movement," the letter said.

The letter also said that while "there has been no clear indication that any protests will be taking place at any of our schools, it is prudent to be aware if protesters attempt to protest on school property."

'We are concerned for the well-being of students'

The Upper Grand District School Board, which includes schools in Guelph and Wellington County, says it is making sure schools have information about the demonstrations and will ensure support is available for any students and staff who require it.

"We are aware of planned protests. Student and staff safety is always our primary concern," the board said in a statement to CBC News.

"We will not tolerate hate directed at the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and other oppressed groups. We want to reinforce the significance of acknowledging and upholding the rights of individuals to express their chosen gender identity or gender expression." 

The Wellington Catholic District School Board said in an emailed statement that it is "committed to the principles of the Ontario Human Rights Code" and the code "acknowledges and upholds the rights of individuals to express their chosen gender identity or gender expression."

"We are concerned for the well-being of students impacted by this type or protest and will not tolerate hate directed at our 2SLGBTQIA+ community. We continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of students and staff in our schools and provide support as necessary," the board statement said.

The Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region posted to the social media website X, formerly Twitter, on Tuesday to say it "strongly opposes" the 1 Million March 4 Children and its message.

"When youth are equipped with accurate, up-to-date information, they make informed choices about their bodies and relationships. We stand in solidarity with the educators, school staff and administrators who work diligently daily to ensure their students are informed and safe," the centre said.

On Wednesday, Kitchener city council spoke out against the planned protest in the city.

Promotion of hate 'will not be tolerated': Kitchener mayor

A spokesperson for city council and Mayor Berry Vrbanovic sent a statement by email Tuesday afternoon.

"While the city recognizes people's charter-protected right to organize and protest in public spaces, Kitchener city council stands by our 2SLGBTQIA+ community members, especially queer youth who may be strongly impacted by these demonstrations," the statement said.

"We believe all residents have the right to live in safety, be true to themselves and live free of harassment and hate. The promotion of anti-2SLGBTQIA+ hatred and violence has no place in our community and will not be tolerated," the statement continued. 

Waterloo Mayor Dorothy McCabe sent a statement Tuesday evening, saying "regardless of what people are protesting, there is never an excuse for hate-filled symbols, words or actions."

McCabe said the city works to make Waterloo a place where people "can feel welcome and safe here."