Manitoba politicians accused each other of being hateful in a dramatic and divisive debate over the Two-Spirit and Transgender Day of Visibility, which four Tories voted against on Thursday.
Bill 208, which had been introduced by New Democrat Logan Oxenham, Manitoba’s first transgender MLA, passed third reading with unanimous support of the government and most of the Tories in the chamber. It designates March 31 as an annual day to recognize two-spirit and transgender persons.
Tory MLAs Kelvin Goertzen, Ron Schuler, Konrad Narth and Josh Guenter voted against it.
Daniel Crump / Free Press files
Bill 208 designates March 31 as an annual day to recognize two-spirit and transgender persons.
“It was an opportunity to vote on a bill that would simply say that you recognize the existence of trans and two-spirit Manitobans, and that you acknowledge their dignity,” Premier Wab Kinew said during question period on the eve of Manitoba Pride celebrations.
The NDP leader called them out along with the Progressive Conservative leadership, describing the “no” votes as a “shameful display” and an “act of hate” that echoed the Tory campaigning on “parental rights” and transphobic rhetoric during the fall election.
“No one is asking for you to go to Pride. No one is asking you to be gay,” Kinew told the Opposition. “How can the PC caucus allow themselves to be divided?”
Interim PC Leader Wayne Ewasko accused the premier of being divisive by not respecting the vote of individual members.
MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS FILES
Wab Kinew: It was an opportunity to vote on a bill that would simply say that you recognize the existence of trans and two-spirit Manitobans.
“We had a free vote today,” he told reporters after question period. “Our caucus members respect each other’s voices and votes.” The Tories respect members “voting with their conscience, voting with their constituents,” he said, alleging the NDP, under Kinew’s leadership does not.
“They’re the only ones talking about dividing Manitobans.”
The former teacher and guidance counsellor said he supported the bill after working with parents, teachers and members of the LGBTTQ+ community for many years, noting that March 31 is already recognized as International Transgender Day of Visibility.
Guenter and Schuler avoided media after question period. Goertzen — who was briefly interim premier between Brian Pallister and Heather Stefanson — was not in the assembly Thursday, having voted virtually from his Steinbach constituency.
Narth, who represents the southeastern corner of the province, did stop to speak to reporters. He explained why he voted against the bill and blasted the NDP for demanding a recorded vote, which he said weaponized the results.
“I’ve got an issue with the NDP trying to create division and hate as a result of that,” said the rookie who was elected in October.
“I’ve never hated a person in my life,” said Narth. “What I saw during QP today was absolute hate from the other side of the floor.”
He said he voted against some of the wording in the bill that he and his constituents “have some issue with.”
A part of the bill recognizes youth as having agency over their lives, gender identity, and having access to gender-affirming care.
“The constituents I represent have some issue with youth and the terminology of youth being able to make the decisions on altering their identity,” Narth said. There is no mention in the bill of youth altering their gender.
“It was a hard decision to make,” he said about voting against the bill. He said he respects Oxenham and has nothing against the LGBTTQ+ community.
“I’m inclusive of all Manitobans,” Narth said.
“I’m very disappointed with the division that the NDP government has tried to make out of this.”
Kinew said after question period that the PC members could’ve abstained from voting or avoided the vote on Oxenham’s private member’s bill.
“Instead, they very conscientiously chose to come into the chamber and have four of their members, including one former premier of this province, vote against the bill,” Kinew said.
“They knew exactly what they’re trying to do in terms of stirring this rhetoric up as we head into Pride weekend. It’s a symbol of disrespect and it’s hateful and I condemn that.”
carol.sanders@freepress.mb.ca
THE TWO-SPIRIT AND TRANSGENDER DAY OF VISIBILITY ACT
Carol Sanders
Legislature reporter
Carol Sanders is a reporter at the Free Press legislature bureau. The former general assignment reporter and copy editor joined the paper in 1997. Read more about Carol.
Every piece of reporting Carol produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press‘s tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press’s history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates.
Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber.
Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.