A local group is holding a counter-protest outside North Bay City Hall on Wednesday to show "there is no place for hate" in North Bay.
The group will gather in peaceful opposition to supporters of the #1MillionMarch4Children, which is taking place Wednesday in more than a dozen Canadian cities and 35 in the U.S.
See related: Events planned across Canada to counter upcoming anti-LGBTQ rallies
North Bay Police Service will have a presence at the protests. "While we respect everyone’s right to peacefully protest, we will have officers in the area monitoring the situation to ensure public safety," says spokesperson David Woolley.
"Uniting diverse backgrounds and faiths, we share a resolute purpose: advocating for the elimination of the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) curriculum, pronouns, gender ideology and mixed bathrooms in schools," reads the 1 Million March 4 Children website. "Together, we stand united to safeguard the well-being and innocence of our children."
Students have been encouraged to participate in a nationwide school walkout today in support of the 1 Million March 4 Children.
Meanwhile, the counter-protesters have been preparing and rallying allies. According to the organizers, "On September 20, anti-trans and anti-2SLGBTQ+ activists have planned nationwide events to protest 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion in schools under the guise of 'protecting children.'
"We know that this will hurt students in so many ways. In this time of renewed hate and emboldened anger against 2 Spirit, trans, and queer people, it's time now, more than ever, for us to show up and make it clear that hate has no place in Ontario."
