Xtra Explains: Parental rights

What does Canadian law actually say when it comes to the rights of parents and trans kids?

There’s been plenty of talk in the news lately about so-called “parental rights,” particularly when it comes to young people’s gender, sexuality, pronouns and presentation. Provinces like Alberta, Saskatchewan and New Brunswick have gone so far as to add in new laws protecting these “parental rights,” requiring schools to tell parents if a kid chooses to go by a different name or pronouns. 

In this edition of Xtra Explains: Trans Youth, senior editor Mel Woods breaks down the ins and outs of when trans young people have the right to make their own choices.

Check out other explainers on topics like sports, puberty blockers and social contagion theory on our website, YouTube channel and TikTok. Head over here to see the sources cited in this video.

Senior editor Mel Woods is an English-speaking Vancouver-based writer, editor and audio producer and a former associate editor with HuffPost Canada. A proud prairie queer and ranch dressing expert, their work has also appeared in Vice, Slate, the Tyee, the CBC, the Globe and Mail and the Walrus.

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