Friday, December 6, 2024

Alberta "trans" bills passed in legislature

The Alberta government's "trans" bills have passed third reading in the provincial legislature.

Alberta passes laws to protect parental rights, ban child gender transitions | True North Wire | Isaac Lamoureux:

December 5, 2024 - "The Legislative Assembly of Alberta has passed a trio of bills that strengthen parental rights, promote fairness in sports, and prevent minors from undergoing irreversible gender transition procedures they may later regret. Bill 26, the Health Statutes Amendment Act, Bill 27, the Education Amendment Act, and Bill 29, the Fairness and Safety in Sport Act, each passed their third reading and will come into effect following royal proclamation.... Alberta Premier Danielle Smith previously highlighted that the legislation would protect youth. 'The changes we’re introducing are founded on compassion and science, both of which are vital for the development of youth throughout a time that can be difficult and confusing,' she said...

"The Alberta government said that legislative amendments to ensure education continues during public health and states of emergencies will come into effect on Jan. 1, 2025. 'Additional regulatory amendments will follow, to provide school administrators more clarity and guidance on expectations for learning during emergencies. These would come into force at the same time as the legislative amendments, except for certain sections regarding school authority policies, which would come into effect on Sept. 1, 2025,' reads a statement from the Alberta government. “Further information regarding regulatory changes will be shared following the passage of the legislation.”

Read more: https://tnc.news/2024/12/05/alberta-passes-laws-parental-rights-ban-transitions/

Do Alberta's new policies help or harm trans youth? | Power & Politics | CBC News | October 31, 2024:

Alberta legislation on transgender youth, student pronouns and sex education set to become law | CBC News | Andrew Jeffrey:

December 4,2024 - The Education Amendment Act, 2024 [Bill 27], the Health Statutes Amendment Act [Bill 26] and the Fairness and Safety in Sport Act [Bill 29], first announced by Premier Danielle Smith in a provincewide video address in January, are set to become law. National advocacy group Egale Canada and the Alberta-based Skipping Stone Foundation confirmed Wednesday their intent to pursue legal action in response, arguing the legislation violates the constitutional rights of young 2SLGBTQ+ people.

"The changes [under Bill 27] include requiring children under 16 to have parental consent if they want to change their names or pronouns at school. Students who are 16 or 17 won't need permission, but schools will need to let their parents know first. Students would not be able to learn about sex education, gender identity and sexual orientation in school unless their parents have opted in to them receiving that instruction. Any third-party instructional material would need approval from Alberta Education before it is used in the classroom.... 

"[Bill 26] would also prohibit doctors from treating those under 16 seeking gender-affirming treatment through puberty blockers or hormone therapy. Physicians would be prohibited from performing top and bottom gender surgeries on minors.... Schools would have to inform parents [under Bill 27] when kids ask to change pronouns....

"[Bill 29] would limit membership on female competitive sports teams to athletes who were female at birth. The bill will ban transgender athletes from competing in female amateur sports and require school and organizations to report eligibility complaints. Smith has said the government will work with leagues to set up coed or gender-neutral divisions for sports.

"According to the province, the Fairness and Safety in Sport Act is anticipated to take effect fall 2025, while the amendments to the Education Act will take effect on proclamation, which is anticipated in September 2025. The Health Statutes Amendment Act is expected to come into effect in the coming months.... 

"The Saskatchewan government used the notwithstanding clause to guard similar legislation. The clause allows a government to temporarily override certain sections of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Smith said she doesn't believe she'll need to invoke the notwithstanding clause to shield the policies from legal action, and that the legislation will be seen as reasonable and evidence-based. But she declined to say if she would use the clause to keep the laws on the books if the court challenges are successful."

Read more: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/alberta-legislation-on-transgender-youth-student-pronouns-and-sex-education-set-to-become-law-1.7400669 

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