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Alberta Advances Bill to Final Reading to Invoke Notwithstanding Clause on Transgender Youth Laws

The overnight push would mark a fourth override this fall if it passes.

Overview

  • The United Conservative Party introduced the rights-override bill for third and final reading at 1:15 a.m. Wednesday.
  • Debate was fast-tracked to one hour per remaining stage, and NDP members denounced the move as undermining the rule of law.
  • The bill would insulate laws on school names and pronouns, a ban on transgender girls in amateur female sports, and restrictions on gender-affirming care for those under 16, including prohibitions on puberty blockers and hormones.
  • Ministers defended the plan as support for parents and students facing weighty medical choices, saying the intent is not to deny care.
  • If it passes, this would be the UCP’s fourth use of Section 33 this fall after invoking it to end a provincewide teachers’ strike in October, while medical groups continue court challenges.