Scott Moe's Pronoun Policing Fiasco: Saskatchewan's 'Notwithstanding Clause' Obsession

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, the self-proclaimed defender of parental rights, is gearing up to use the "notwithstanding clause" like it's a shiny new toy. Why? Because he's dead set on ensuring that no transgender or non-binary student under 16 can dare to use a different name or pronoun at school without parental permission. I mean, how else are we going to protect our children from the impending pronoun apocalypse?

In the face of a court challenge, Moe is boldly declaring that he's ready to turn this into legislation. Forget addressing actual pressing issues in the province; let's prioritize policing the pronouns of kids.

Moe reassures us that the "notwithstanding clause" is just one of his many "tools" to maintain this groundbreaking policy. You know, because a constitutional override is totally proportionate to the threat posed by students choosing their preferred pronouns.

Photo by Kenny Eliason on Unsplash

He argues that the "notwithstanding clause" is there to help duly elected governments represent their constituents when necessary. Well, of course, what's more important than ensuring that kids conform to their parents' views, even if it means violating their Charter rights?

And let's not forget that other provinces like Ontario and Quebec have been using this clause like a get-out-of-legal-challenges-free card. It's a trend! Why should Saskatchewan miss out on the fun?

Meanwhile, the UR Pride Centre for Sexuality and Gender Diversity and Egale Canada are bravely challenging this policy in court, while Bennett Jensen calls the use of the "notwithstanding clause" unconscionable. But hey, who cares about those pesky Charter rights when we're fighting the good fight against pronoun freedom?

And let's not overlook the U.S. parental rights movement, making its grand entrance into Canadian politics. Because clearly, what happens in U.S. politics should dictate our educational policies, right?

In the midst of all this, a 2018 study shows that supporting transgender youth in using their preferred names and pronouns leads to fewer suicidal thoughts. But hey, who needs science when you've got the "notwithstanding clause" at your disposal?