In a heated session at the Manitoba legislature, a bill was passed to designate March 31 as an annual day to recognize two-spirit and transgender persons. The bill, known as Two-Spirit and Transgender Day of Visibility, received unanimous support from the governing New Democrats and most of the Opposition Progressive Conservatives. However, four Progressive Conservatives voted against the bill, causing Premier Wab Kinew to accuse them of engaging in “an act of hate.”
The opposition stemmed from concerns over allowing youth to have agency over their lives and make decisions regarding gender identity. While some Tories disagreed with this clause in the bill, others, like former premier Kelvin Goertzen, expressed similar concerns about youth having access to gender-affirming procedures.
The debate over the bill spilled into question period, with NDP cabinet ministers criticizing the no votes. As the session continued, it was revealed that more bills, including those related to cannabis legalization and seizure of criminal property, would be addressed before the legislature’s summer break.
Despite the division, the bill’s passage marks an important step towards recognizing and affirming the rights of two-spirit and transgender individuals in Manitoba.