As the debate on the question of gender identity enters the National Assembly, the Commission on Human Rights and Youth Rights (CDPDJ) says it is “concerned” by what was heard in public space.
“Obviously, we are concerned by the increase in transphobic and homophobic comments that we have heard in recent months,” said the president of the commission, Philippe-André Tessier, at a press briefing at the National Assembly on Thursday.
Recall that demonstrations were organized by the group “1 Million March 4 Children” last week to denounce the teaching of gender identity in schools. They took place in several Canadian cities, including Montreal. In response, counter-protests were organized to defend the rights of people from the LGBTQ+ community. The confrontation between the two camps gave rise to acrimonious exchanges.
In the wake of these demonstrations, the government announced the creation of a committee of wise people to look into these questions. It will be led by the Minister of Families, Suzanne Roy.
According to Mr. Tessier, no one can oppose a debate on the question, but he maintains that we have heard many assertions which were unfounded, in particular on surgical operations on minors. “On the issue of gender identity, we are following the debate very carefully,” he assures.
“Facts also have their place in this debate. When we base ourselves on the facts, when we base ourselves on what is happening and when we have a debate or a discussion, that is the framework,” affirmed Philippe-André Tessier.
The commission also called for issues relating to gender identities to be taught in schools from primary school.
“What science and work show us is that it is essential to make children aware of their awakening. […] To be able to introduce concepts on gender identity in secondary school, you still need to have talked about it a little in primary school, but always taking into account the age of the children,” explained the president of the commission.
“Our approach is not to say that we must give everything immediately to a six-year-old child, on the contrary. We have to go there gradually and this is what the Quebec educational program also provides for,” he added.
In its most recent report, the CDPDJ indicates that 1% of investigation files opened concern the reason of gender identity and expression. At a press conference, however, it was clarified that the volume of complaints rarely reflects reality. It is indicated that the figures are rather used to illustrate that there is a problem.