Postal Workers Suspended in New Brunswick, Canada. Two postal workers from Canada Post have been suspended for refusing to deliver controversial flyers from Campaign Life Coalition that call for a ban on gender-affirming care for minors. The incident has raised significant concerns about the implications of such materials being distributed in the lead-up to the province’s upcoming October 21 election.
The flyers describe gender-affirming medical procedures in derogatory terms, referring to them as “chemical and surgical mutilation.” Additionally, the flyers state that “God doesn’t make mistakes.” Shannon Aitchison, a Canada Post carrier and union representative who has a transgender child, explained her objection to delivering the materials: “The third flyer was straight-up nonsense,” she told the *Brantford Expositor*. “’ God doesn’t make mistakes,’ so you’re telling me my child is a mistake?”
Five postal workers in the Saint John area chose to refuse delivery of the flyers. While two workers were suspended, others opted to take personal days to avoid handling the controversial materials.
Canada Post has defended its decision, asserting that the flyers did not meet the legal definition of a “non-mailable matter,” and therefore, must be delivered. “Our important and longstanding role in delivering the country’s mail should not be seen as tolerance or support for the contents of any mailing,” stated Canada Post spokesperson Valérie Chartrand. “We are a neutral third party regardless of our views.”
Moreover, *CBC* reported on August 26 that Campaign Life Coalition has distributed similar flyers across New Brunswick to support Premier Blaine Higgs’ “parental rights” policies. These policies, which echo far-right measures seen in parts of the United States, mandate that teachers obtain parental consent before using a student’s chosen name or pronouns for students under 16.
This incident highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding the debate over gender-affirming care and the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly minors, during a politically charged election season.
In the UK it would appear that the British public’s stand on transgender rights; a new YouGov study, the third, and most expansive in a series from 2018, shows evidence of an overall gradual erosion in support towards transgender rights. But even LGBT Rights did not have an easy ride during its travel toward acceptance:
e.g.
During the Pre-20th Century:
Homosexuality was criminalized in the UK during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The Buggery Act of 1533 made sodomy a capital offense, and subsequent laws further criminalized homosexual acts.
Decriminalisation:
The Sexual Offences Act 1967 partially decriminalised homosexuality for men over 21 in private. However, discrimination and prejudice persisted.
The 1980s – Rise of Activism:
The 1980s saw the emergence of LGBT+ activism, notably with the founding of organizations like Stonewall, (check out their website for more information about Stonewall). The HIV/AIDS epidemic brought attention to LGBT+ issues and led to increased activism and solidarity.
Section 28:
In 1988, Section 28 was introduced, prohibiting the “promotion” of homosexuality in schools. It was a highly controversial and damaging policy.
(The History of LGBT+ Rights in the UK (Union of Students) by Holly Lloyd)
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