Competing protests over LGBTQ2S+ inclusive education in Kitchener, Ont. [Video]

Protests were held in front of Kitchener City Hall on Friday, both for and against LGBTQ2S+ inclusive education and queer rights in schools.

On one side were participants in the nationwide “1 Million March For Children,” who want changes to the current sexual education curriculum and policies.

“[We want to] create awareness about what’s going on in the schools. Also, just a message to our government officials, again, that we as a society, as a people, we have a voice,” said Cristina Fernandes, a 1 Million March For Children protester. “We stand in unity [against] the sexualisation of our children and presenting theories as fact and truth, instead of presenting them as theories.”

The “1 Million March For Children” in Kitchener, Ont. on Sept. 20, 2024. (Colton Wiens/CTV News)

Fernandes added that not all the participants have the same concerns, but a big focus for many are the local school …