CALGARY (660 NEWS) – Calgarians from all walks of life marched by the hundreds to UCP candidate Doug Schweitzer’s office for a rally Thursday evening in support of gay-straight alliances.
The rally began in the SW community of Marda Loop and was sparked by Jason Kenney and his campaign platform looking to change several laws involving GSAs.
Changes include allowing teachers to inform parents if their child joined a GSA, or give the principal the power to decide if a GSA was suitable for that school.
“I grew up in a really small religious town and there was not an opportunity to have a GSA so I feel like its really important to have those safe spaces,” said one young participant.
The message from the crowd clear why GSAs are being so ferociously defended.
“GSA’S are here to stay” #yyc #ableg #abvote2019 pic.twitter.com/rshqOjL6Zm
— Jenna Hamilton (@j_hamilton04) March 29, 2019
“I was definitely blessed with having a safe place to come out to my family and I think it’s important that everybody has that, and not a lot of people do have that privilege,” said one girl.
This was the second of two rallies held, the first was in Edmonton Wednesday on the steps of the legislature.
Schweitzer released a statement regarding the march.
I have always been, and continue to be, an advocate for the LGBTQ2S+ community.
Today, I am proud that all major political parties support gay-straight alliances and categorically reject mandatory notification of parents. /1 #ableg #abpoli pic.twitter.com/YNyRbNznoe
— Doug Schweitzer (@doug_schweitzer) March 29, 2019
Liberal leader David Khan was one of the many taking part echoing an important message of inclusion.
Great turnout for the GSA Rally in Marda Loop in Calgary Thursday night. @ABLiberal support GSA so students can feel safe at school. We support the LGBTQ here in #YYC and across this Province. Let’s build a tolerant, inclusive and respectful #Alberta. #ableg #abvote pic.twitter.com/TyY91F6xHe
— David Khan
Multiple candidates from the NDP and Alberta party were also in attendance.
