Protest expected at Taber drag story time event – Lethbridge | 24CA News
Story time with readers in drag have turn out to be targets of hate, and an upcoming occasion in southern Alberta is not any exception.
Pride week drag story time is occurring on the Taber Public Library on Saturday and organizers are bracing for protests.
“Unfortunately, we’ve received some backlash with a whole bunch of misinformation,” stated Chantal West, co-chair of the Taber Equality Alliance, which is internet hosting the occasion.
“It’s not for those (people) to decide how others raise their children, if what one is doing is in the best interest of the kid and is not harming anyone.”
Organizers of the Taber protest say they wish to “protect all children.”
Sarah Penner declined a Global News request for an interview, as a substitute offering an announcement.
“Quite simply, we don’t believe this is an event for children,” Penner’s assertion reads partially.
“No matter how ‘innocent’ the opposition will make it sound, we believe it is too sexual in nature for our children.”
Taber Equality Alliance stated the occasion solely consists of studying “age-appropriate” books to the viewers of kids, earlier than elevating the Pride flag on the library.
The two sides held a gathering in May to debate their views, but it surely ended with each the studying and protest going forward.
Those protesting say they wish to hold it respectful.
“We are lucky to live in a Country [sic] where we have freedom of speech, freedom of religion and the right to peaceful protest. My hope is that the protest will be held with peace and respect and come from a place of love,” Penner’s assertion provides.
The native satisfaction group is hoping for a similar as their occasions transfer ahead.
“If they feel that that’s what they need to do, then (they’re) more than welcome to,” West stated. “Just let’s keep everything peaceful and agree to disagree.”
The pushback is nothing new for drag readings in Canada. Cities like Calgary, Edmonton and Kelowna have all not too long ago seen protests at occasions.
This all comes because the month of June marks Pride Month, a time to honour and rejoice the LGBTQ+ group.
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