Conservative MLA for Abbotsford South Bruce Banman kicked off 2024 by speaking at a public protest on New Year’s Day. In a video posted to his social media, Banmam and B.C. Conservative party leader John Rustad can be seen in the back of a pickup truck addressing a small crowd of “anti-SOGI” supporters.
The rally was organized to protest “SOGI 123,” a 2019 initiative by the B.C. government to implement policies and provide teaching resources to help make schools more inclusive environments for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.
Ali Slack is the executive director of the Fraser Valley Youth Society in Abbotsford. She works first hand with 2SLGBTQIA+ youth, and noted the rally as a part of a disturbing trend in the region.
CIVL Radio spoke with Slack about Banman’s appearance at the protest, and the troubling repercussions of “anti-SOGI” rhetoric in the lives of queer youth.
