We represent concerned Muslim Canadian citizens, parents, professionals, and advocates who have been following the planned protests due to take place on Sept 20, 2023, at various schools and government locations across the cities and provinces in the country.

We are concerned about the misinformation, fearmongering, and hate that is directly impacting all our school-going children and their families. We call on the leadership of the Muslim community to help separate fact from fiction.

This campaign of misinformation is placing 2SLGBTQIA+ students at risk, especially as a population that is already at higher risk for depression and suicide. It is also placing Muslim students at risk of facing increased Islamophobia.

We are aware of instances where educators have overstepped and made Muslim students feel ashamed because of their religious beliefs. When such incidents happen, school boards have mechanisms to address these concerns and should be constructively engaged to support students and families who feel harmed. There are also many public education experts in the Muslim community who can advise and help develop an informed response when problems arise.

It is important to recognize that homophobic and transphobic rhetoric has been a mainstay of White supremacist ideologies and campaigns. It is worrisome that we see folks from various backgrounds, including some Muslims, following their lead. The ideologies promoted in conjunction with these protests are fueled by concerted movements to promote bigotry and hate and are spearheaded by many of the same far-right groups that promote Islamophobia.

We call upon our community leaders to speak out against this protest and the potential harm it will bring to children both from the 2SLGBTQIA+ and Muslim communities, and the children who identify as being part of both communities.

As Muslim Canadians, we affirm our commitment to upholding the human rights, dignity, and humanity of EVERYONE. Public institutions are guided by the provincial Human Rights Codes as well as the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. These guiding documents support our rights and provide freedom of discrimination to all code-protected grounds. As Muslims we endeavour to model the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to be a mercy for all of creation. We value, affirm, and uphold the human rights and dignity of all people as a core principle of our faith and we are enjoined to not be of harm to those around us by hand, by tongue, or by any other action.

All students have the right to a safe, positive, and inclusive learning environment. Just as Muslim students deserve the right to have their faith observances supported, 2SLGBTQIA+ students also deserve to have their identities supported and reflected in their learning environment. When our children learn more about one another and come to honour their differences, we will begin to build a future where we all belong.

We, the undersigned, will continue to stand as allies with the wider 2SLGBTQIA+ community and are committed to upholding equity and collective human rights that benefit us all.