The Alberta government released a new suite of legislation on Thursday, improving parental rights, fairness in sports, and protecting “transgender” children from making irreversible decisions that they may regret later in life.
The three amendments focusing on gender identity are part of the 13 bills the party highlighted and plans to introduce in this legislative session, focusing on personal autonomy, property rights, and legal firearm ownership.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said the changes are intended to 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 proposed amendments to the Health Statutes Amendment Act would prohibit health professionals from performing sex reassignment surgeries on minors. Additionally, children aged 15 and under would not be able to access puberty blockers or hormone therapies. Children aged 16 and 17 could use hormone therapies and puberty blockers with parental, physician, and psychologist approval.
“These policies are designed and intended to help preserve the choices children have before they make serious decisions about their bodies, or the ability to have children of their own one day, or undergo potentially permanent procedures where the benefits and risks are not yet fully understood,” said Smith.
One person who had personally lived with the risks of gender transition was present at Alberta’s press conference, Kellie Lynn Pirie — a detransitioner and co-founder of DeTrans Alliance Canada. Pirie shared her experience of living with a mother who married a convicted pedophile and being in a household full of drugs, alcohol, and chaos.
Feeling uncomfortable in her own body, Pirie underwent a complete social transition, began taking testosterone, had a complete hysterectomy and a bilateral mastectomy, and legally changed her sex marker and name between 2005 and 2008.
“In 2010, I realized that many of the feelings I had felt prior to and through my transition were not fully explored,” said Pirie. “I also realized that transitioning did not help me in any of the ways I thought it might.”
She added that given that she, a 37-year-old woman with a post-secondary education, couldn’t even understand the consequences of a life-altering decision, how could children be expected, supported, or encouraged to?
“The decision to medically transition has impacted me psychologically. I will have type two diabetes for the rest of my life. It has had lifelong impacts on my confidence and my self-esteem. This is simply not a decision we can expect children to make,” she said.
The Alberta government also tabled the Education Amendment Act, which will require parental consent for any child aged 15 and under who wants to change their name, gender, or pronouns at school. Sixteen and 17-year-olds will not need parental consent, but their parents will need to be notified.
Currently, parents can opt their children out of lessons that teach sexual orientation and gender identity curriculum. With the changes, they will have to opt them in. Also, the Minister of Education will have to review and approve all learning and teaching resources that deal with gender identity, sexual orientation, or human sexuality.
Lastly, the Alberta government introduced Bill 29, the Fairness and Safety in Sports Act.
If passed, sports divisions will be created that are limited to female-born athletes, prohibiting transgender athletes from participating. Co-ed leagues will be created for transgender athletes.
“All three pieces of legislation have been developed, drafted and tabled with the express purpose of striking the right balance for the health, safety and wellbeing of all children and youth in our province,” said Smith. We’re also upholding the rights of parents to care for, teach and protect their children. These amendments are about being fair and supporting children and youth.”
Another person speaking at Alberta’s press conference was Hannah Pilling, an 18-year-old track and cross-country athlete. She was recently awarded female rookie of the year at the Alberta Athletics Conference for cross-country running.
Last year, Pilling failed to qualify for provincials after losing to a biological male in a race.
“It was crushing. I had trained for years with this goal in mind. Afterward, many of my fellow racers were left in tears knowing that the outcome wasn’t fair,” said Pilling. “The sense of hopelessness was overwhelming. I pleaded with the meet director, explaining that it was unfair for a biological male to compete in high school girls’ sports.”
She said that the director seemed sincerely sorry, but rules were rules.
“Then the rules need to change,” said Pilling.
If passed, Bill 29 will apply to school divisions, charter schools, private schools, Francophone schools, post-secondary schools, independent academic institutions, provincial sporting organizations, and more.
