CCLA Strongly Condemns Alberta Legislation That Erodes Freedoms of Trans and Gender Diverse Youth and Their Families

TORONTO —  Harini Sivalingam, Director of the Equality Program of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, made the following statement in reaction to Alberta legislation that restricts freedoms for vulnerable youth and their families.

Alberta has unveiled the most egregious anti-trans legislation that has been introduced in Canada. The Canadian Civil Liberties Association strongly condemns the introduction of harmful legislation that will restrict freedom for marginalized and vulnerable youth and their families by the Alberta government.

Everyone should have the freedom to learn and grow in a safe, inclusive and welcoming learning environment. Restricting trans and gender diverse students from using their chosen names and pronouns denies young people the freedom to be themselves. It is dangerous for governments to restrict or make it harder to access health and sexual education curriculum that provides young people with important information that is essential to safe, healthily and consensual relationships.

All families should have the freedom to determine their own healthcare options, in consultation with their health care professionals, without government interference. Everyone should have the freedom to make informed decisions about their own bodily autonomy, including having access to publicly funded health care options. This includes trans and gender diverse young people and their families.

CCLA is committed to intervening in support of the legal efforts undertaken by 2SLGBTQIA+ organizations to challenge these discriminatory laws. CCLA will continue to speak out and defend the rights and freedoms of trans and gender diverse young people and their families in Alberta.