Ottawa Police Service confirms five people arrested during ‘1 Million March 4 Children’ protest

The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) has made arrests in relation to the ‘1 Million March 4 Children’ protest near Parliament Hill on Wednesday, Sept. 20.

Members of the group ‘1 Million March 4 Children’  marched from Parliament Hill to the Supreme Court of Canada, and said rally participants are –quote– “standing together against gender ideology in schools.”

The OPS confirmed on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, that five people were arrested during the demonstrations.

Three arrests were made for public incitement of hatred, one for assault, and one for obstructing police.

No other details were provided as police said investigations are ongoing.

Update:

We can confirm that 5 persons were arrested during the demonstrations on September 20.

Three arrests were made for public incitement of hatred, one for assault, and one for obstructing police.

All of these investigations are ongoing and no further details are… https://t.co/Oz4zhYRz44

— Ottawa Police (@OttawaPolice) September 21, 2023

As protests and counter-protests for and against the country’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community are being held across Canada today, Mark Sutcliffe has issued a statement condemning “any form of discrimination or hatred.”

Ottawa’s mayor said, “I respect the right to protest, however the specific targeting of 2SLGBTQIA+ children for being who they are, has no place in our city. The protests taking place today will only cause harm to youth who are looking for our support and acceptance.”

As Mayor of Ottawa, I condemn any form of discrimination or hatred. Members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community have the right to live free from harassment and bigotry.

I respect the right to protest, however the specific targeting of 2SLGBTQIA+ children for being who they are, has no…

— Mark Sutcliffe (@_MarkSutcliffe) September 20, 2023

However, Sarah Worthman, a 2SLGBTQIA+ advocate who is co-organizing at least 63 counter-protests across the country, said Canadians need to stand up for the community outside of Pride events.

British Columbia’s human rights commissioner, Kasari Govender, called the marches “hate-fuelled,” saying while peaceful demonstration protects democracy and generates debate, the human rights of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community are “not up for debate.”

A counter protest was held in front of the Supreme Court of Canada from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., organized by ‘Community Solidarity Ottawa.’

“At the same time as they are gathering on Parliament Hill, we are going to be gathering in front of the Supreme Court of Canada to show our support for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and our opposition to the so-called “parents rights” agenda that is nothing more than thinly veiled homophobia and transphobia.”

With files from the Canadian Press