People protest at the Legislative Building in Regina, Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023. Saskatchewan's child advocate has released a report saying the province's pronoun policy in schools violates rights and is discriminatory.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Michael Bell
REGINA – Saskatchewan’s child advocate has released a report saying the province’s pronoun policy in schools violates rights to gender identity and expression.
Lisa Broda says in a 41-page report that the policy is also contrary to law or discriminatory.
She says the commitment to parental rights does not override the rights of a child.
The provincial government announced last month that it is requiring parental consent when children under 16 want to use different names or pronouns at school.
A court challenge has been launched against the policy and the government has said it plans to enshrine it in legislation this fall.
Premier Scott Moe said this week he is prepared to use the notwithstanding clause to protect the policy.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 15, 2023.
