Image: Mike Vanden Bosch / Pattison Media / Hundreds of people gathered Wednesday morning in downtown Chilliwack as part of the nationwide "1MillionMarch4Children" that attracted opponents and supporters of sexual orientation and gender identity curriculum.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Downtown Chilliwack demonstration

Hundreds gather in downtown Chilliwack for demonstration, including some counter-protesters

Sep 20, 2023 | 11:42 AM

CHILLIWACK — With repeated chants of “leave our children alone” punctuating a boisterous backdrop, hundreds of people gathered in downtown Chilliwack Wednesday morning (Sept. 20) for what was billed as the “1MillionMarch4Children” happening across Canada.

The anti-SOGI demonstration attracted at least 300 people, likely more, on a sunny Wednesday morning.

A loudspeaker was set up along Yale Road near the Chilliwack Law Courts building as opponents of gender ideology held signs urging the halt of SOGI-related curriculum, a stop to “sexualizing children” and an end to what one individual called “secrets in school.” Others protested what they called government overreach and said parents should know what’s happening in their schools.

Image: Mike Vanden Bosch / Pattison Media

At least five RCMP officers maintained the peace and were strategically located at each street corner at Yale Road and Young Road, particularly as demonstrators would cross the street when pedestrian lights were activated on streetlights.

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Proponents of parental rights and opponents to SOGI-related curriclum outnumbered a smaller group of counter-demonstrators who held pride flags.

Image: Mike Vanden Bosch / Pattison Media

A press release opposed to the message of today’s “1MillionMarch4Children” said Fraser Valley residents used rainbow-coloured chalk to spread messages of inclusivity and compassion in a public plaza outside the law courts building.

“As a response to the anti-LGBTQ rally, being referred to as #1MillionMarchForChildren, scheduled in Chilliwack, BC, a diverse group of individuals came together to peacefully counteract the negative energy with love and understanding,” the press release from Brett Larabie stated. “Armed with buckets of rainbow-colored chalk, they turned the area surrounding the rally site into a canvas of positivity, covering the pavement with dazzling rainbows, heartwarming messages, and supportive slogans.”

Image: Brett Larabie / Counter-protester message to today’s rally in Chilliwack.

It appeared that former Chilliwack school board trustee Barry Neufeld was present during Wednesday’s rally. He wore a sign opposed to gender ideology and stood in the median at Yale Road and Young Road to broadcast his message.