Montreal Demonstration Against LGBTQ+ Hatred

LGBTQ counter-protest faces overwhelming police violence at anti-LGBTQ demonstration in Old Port, Montreal. September 20, 2024.

On the early morning of September 20th, 2024, the “1 Million March 4 Children” took place in some Canadian cities to demonstrate against transgender education and “gender ideology” being taught in schools. The demonstrators held signs decrying trans and queer identities, and shouted slogans encouraging parents to “protect their kids” from being taught about LGBTQ identities.

A counter protest was organized by several LGBTQ groups and numbered over double the size of the anti-LGBTQ crowd. Protesters gathered at City Hall in Old Port on opposing sides of Notre Dame.

As the march began, police prevented the counter-demonstration from following the main one. The counter-demonstration then flanked the police around some city blocks and came upon the main demonstration without police protection in front of the Palais du Justice. As soon as the police arrived, they used overwhelming violence to push the counter-protest back. Tear gas and pepper spray were copiously deployed and a line of riot police beat demonstrators with batons. Many protesters were injured by police violence.