Live Updates: Smith, Notley holding news conferences on proposed Alberta transgender rule changes

New Democrat leader Rachel Notley is holding a news conference this morning to respond to Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s proposed changes to transgender rules around teenagers.

Smith said Wednesday the government will require parental consent for students 15 and under who want to change their names or pronouns at school.

Students 16 and 17 would not need consent, but their parents must be notified, she added in a video posted to the X platform announcing the changes.

Gender identity can be a hard thing to talk about, especially when you are involved. But this conversation is extremely important and parental involvement is critical. Kids need to know we love and support them.
My message to all Albertans: pic.twitter.com/i0ii57GLa6

— Danielle Smith (@ABDanielleSmith) January 31, 2024

In the video, Smith announced the transgender policies and guidelines ranging from restrictions on hormone therapy and surgery to participation in sport.

Smith said while her government wants transgender people to know they are supported, she can’t continue allowing youth to make life-altering changes until they are mature enough.

“It’s to those children and teens that I want to say just how much we love you and support you in becoming the person you want to be,” Smith said in the seven-minute video.

“One of the greatest responsibilities we as parents, teachers and community leaders have is to preserve for our children the right to grow and develop into mature adults, so that they are better prepared to make the most impactful decisions affecting their lives.”

Smith announced gender reassignment surgery is to be banned for those 17 and under.

For those 15 and under, puberty blockers and hormone therapies for the purpose of gender reassignment or affirmation would also not be allowed, except for those who have already begun the process.

Youth who are 16 and 17 can begin hormone therapies if they are deemed mature enough and have parent, physician and psychologist approval.

In the classroom, parents would have to be notified and give consent for their child to be taught about gender identity, human sexuality and sexual orientation.

All third-party resource materials used to teach these subjects from kindergarten through Grade 12 must be approved in advance by the education ministry.

Smith said the province would also work with sport organizations to ensure women and girls do not have to compete against transgender female athletes.

Transgender athletes, she said, would have a chance to compete through expanded coed leagues or other gender-neutral divisions.

“I strongly believe that those who were born male but have transitioned to or identify as female are owed the opportunity to meaningfully participate in sport,” said Smith.

“However, there are obvious biological realities that give transgender female athletes a massive competitive advantage over women and girls.

“It is not beneficial for those women, including those who are transgender, for this divisive and sometimes dangerous situation to continue.”

Alberta becomes the third province to announce a parental consent requirement in schools.

Saskatchewan and New Brunswick brought in similar rules last year requiring the consent for students 16 and under to change their names or pronouns. Protests and court challenges followed.

Saskatchewan also invoked the rarely used notwithstanding clause to override certain Charter rights in putting the policy into legislation.

Kristopher Wells, the Canada Research Chair for the Public Understanding of Sexual and Gender Minority Youth, sharply criticized Smith’s changes.

“It is a full-on attack against trans and 2SLGBTQ+ communities,” Wells, who is with MacEwan University in Edmonton, posted on X.

“There is no evidence or research to support any of these recommendations.

“It is not only immoral, it is illegal.”

ATA concerned for student safety

Jason Schilling, president of the Alberta Teachers’ Association, said his organization is concerned for student safety and wellness.

“I am worried about how today’s announcement will impact the safety of some of our most vulnerable students,” Schilling said in a statement Wednesday.

“We want all students to know, and especially those students who identify or have family members that identify as gender or relationship diverse, that teachers support you and care for you.”

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Alberta government news conference beginning at 1:30 p.m.

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NDP News Conference. Begins at 11:00 a.m. MST.

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by Eli J. Ridder | @EliRidder

Live Updates: Smith, Notley holding news conferences on proposed Alberta transgender rule changes

Students 15 and under require parental consent for name, pronoun changes

ATA concerned for student safety

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