LGBTQ groups ban Alberta premier, UCP from 2024 Pride celebrations

A group representing 14 Alberta LGBTQ groups has officially banned Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and the UCP from 2024 Pride events.

Queer Citizens United YYC issued a news release Friday afternoon, saying 14 Alberta groups, including Calgary Pride and Okotoks Pride, will not allow the participation of the premier or UCP at this year’s Pride celebrations.

The group said the ban is in direct response to Smith’s “stated intention to infringe on the rights, freedoms and healthcare of the transgender community in Alberta,” adding the policies don’t “reflect the desires of the gender and sexually diverse” community.

“You may not join our celebrations in June when you plan to attack us in September. Queer rights should not be a political decision. Trans rights are human rights.

“We invite Premier Smith to re-consider her harmful and damaging policies and engage in meaningful discussions with the Two-Spirit, trans, non-binary and Queer community.”

1:52 Tegan and Sara use Junos speech to call out policies affecting trans youth

When Global News reached out to the premier’s office for comment, the press secretary deferred to the UCP for comment. The UCP provided Global News with this statement:

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

“We support and celebrate all Albertans and will continue to work towards ensuring that everyone feels valued, respected and at home in Alberta.”

The following groups were undersigned on the group’s news release:

Calgary Pride; Edmonton’s Pride Corner, Lethbridge Pride, Canmore Pride, Banff Pride, Jasper Pride, Central Alberta Pride Society, Red Deer Queer CA, HOMES, Lacombe Pride; Fort Sask Pride Okotoks Pride; Foothills Rainbow; and Connect Queer Alberta Safety Net.

4:22 Protests against Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s sweeping new transgender policy in Calgary, Edmonton

• Protests against Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s sweeping new transgender policy in Calgary, Edmonton
• ‘She’s trying to insert herself between kids and their parents’: Minister Boissonnault on Alberta premier’s new trans policies
• ‘I hope it doesn’t come to that’: Premier Smith on notwithstanding clause option for new trans policies
• The West Block: Feb. 4, 2024 | Alberta Premier Danielle Smith defends new transgender policies, federal minister reacts
• How could Danielle Smith’s transgender policy proposals impact Alberta’s UCP?
• Student organize walkouts to protest Alberta’s LGBTQ2 policies
• Edmonton students stage walkout over Alberta’s gender identity policies
• Alberta students gather to protest province’s proposed LGBTQ2 policies
• AB students protest proposed gender identity policies
• Poll suggests opinions split on Alberta’s proposed gender identity, education policies
• Alberta Premier Smith points to ‘increasing international evidence’ against puberty blockers to aid policy
• Danielle Smith says U.K. decision to limit access to puberty blockers is example for Alberta
• Tegan and Sara use Junos speech to call out policies affecting trans youth

Previous Video

Next Video