Heated duelling protests met with police presence in downtown Vancouver

Amir Ali/Daily Hive

A police presence is visible downtown Vancouver as two protests take place in regarding LGBTQ2S+ rights.

The initial protest, coined the 1 Million March 4 Children, is an action for the “elimination of the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) curriculum, pronouns, gender ideology and mixed bathrooms in schools.”

The march began shortly after 1 pm and winded through several streets, including Burrard Street and Robson Street before appearing to end at the Olympic Cauldron in Coal Harbour at Jack Poole Plaza.

Protest at Coal Harbour at 2 pm. Amir Ali/Daily Hive

Traffic on all cross streets intersecting Burrard at a standstill while #MillionMarchCanada and counter protesters #TransRightsAreHumanRights march the streets of downtown #Vancouver

— Daily Hive Vancouver (@DailyHiveVan) September 20, 2023

The demonstrations began at the Vancouver Art Gallery, with a larger presence in support of Trans rights and several people breaking into songs of support throughout the rally.

Some photos from today’s counter-protest.
byu/ChrisJokeaccount invancouver

Vancouver Art Gallery LGBTQ2+ support group

The counter-protest began at noon, while the original protest was planned for an hour later. Amir Ali/Daily Hive

Amir Ali/Daily Hive

Pro Trans rights counter protesters Vancouver

Counter protesters carry signs as they speak out against anti-Trans movement. Amir Ali/Daily Hive

Daily Hive

Protests are planned across Canada, and LBGTQ and anti-hate advocates have organized counter-protests in response.

Many of which are underway in some parts of Canada.

Chants of “f*ck the VPD” broke out as dozens gathered in the area. The chants appeared to come from the two groups and could be heard around noon.

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The counter-protest was slated for noon at the Vancouver Art Gallery, with the 1 Million March 4 Children beginning on Robson Street at 1 pm.

Downtown Vancouver at noon. Amir Ali/Daily Hive

“Let’s show them that love is louder, that we won’t let hate win. Trans Rights are Human Rights!” the counter-protest reads in part. Participants are encouraged to wear pink, white, or blue to support the trans community.

Dozens of police are visible in Vancouver at Georgia and Hornby. Amir Ali/Daily Hive

Vancouver police said they would have “extra officers assigned to ensure people can peacefully assemble and to mitigate potential traffic disruptions.”

Officers appeared to have created a wall between the two demonstrations, however, as of 2 pm, there did not appear to be any violence or arrests. But shouting did occur throughout the afternoon.

In response to the 1 Million March 4 Children, much reaction has been shared on social media.

A large demonstration is underway in #Vancouver near The Vancouver Art Gallery and Robson Street for #TransRightsAreHumanRights counter protest – meantime a smaller number of people appear to be starting the march for #MillionMarchCanada pic.twitter.com/WgBeNRjrt6

— Daily Hive Vancouver (@DailyHiveVan) September 20, 2023

You’re not marching for children. You’re marching for yourselves.
If it was about children you’d be listening, learning, educating yourselves and finding solutions to concerns both real and imagined.
But this isn’t about that. It never was.#1MillionMarch4Children

— Luke Fevin (@According2Luke) September 20, 2023

This is a developing story, we will update it throughout the afternoon as news breaks.

With files from Claire Fenton

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