Saskatchewan's pronoun war continues unabated
The provincial premier is going against the court's decision.
The wave of protests that rolled across the country last week didn't turn the tide on schoolchildren's pronouns in Saskatchewan. It all started when local officials came forward with yet another piece of legislation. It speaks to the need for parental consent when it comes to changing pronouns (and only pronouns) for students under 16. The initiative has met fierce opposition from social movements for LGBTQ2D+ rights and teachers' alliances. On Thursday, a court ruled on the matter.
Court decision
So, a court in Regina, the administrative center of Saskatchewan, has ordered a stay on the implementation of a policy that affects students who choose to use other names or pronouns at school. Justice Minister and Attorney General of Canada Arif Virani wrote that:
"A judge agreed that what the government is doing may cause irreparable harm to some of its youngest people."
Prime Minister's Response
It would seem that the situation should change at this point. However, provincial Premier Scott Moe doesn't see it that way.
Saskatchewan's leader says he will take a chance on Section 33 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, popularly known as the "notwithstanding" clause. Without going into legal detail, this legal loophole gives Parliament the ability to temporarily repeal certain sections of the charter. As a result, Moe expects to pass the legislation — despite the court ruling — by Oct. 10.
Meanwhile, another hearing has already been scheduled for November. Public and political activists are advocating for the immediate scrapping of this legislative initiative. Critics of Moe's bill and his colleagues in the Saskatchewan Party include big public figures like the University of Regina's UR Pride Centre and politicians from the opposition New Democratic Party, such as Matt Love.
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