Hundreds of people rallied against what an organizer calls “gender ideology” near three west-end Ottawa schools today, as hundreds more joined a counter-protest in support of transgender rights.
Police arrested five people in connection with the protests but wouldn’t share more information about why. The protest against gender identity being taught in schools was organized by activist Chris Elston, while community groups Horizon Ottawa and Community Solidarity Ottawa mobilized the counter-protest.
Police closed a stretch of Broadview Avenue in Westboro between Carling Avenue and Tillbury Avenues and divided the crowd into several groups along the street.
The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board has urged the protesters to move their demonstrations away from the schools. “Adults should never make children and youth feel threatened or intimidated.