The society says the decision is over the VPL hosting a transphobic speaker. The VPL says its decision to host Meghan Murphy has to do with free speech.
The Vancouver Pride Society has denied the Vancouver Public Library from entering the parade next month over allowing controversial speaker Meghan Murphy to speak to a crowd inside the library.
Murphy, who is the founder of Feminist Current, gave a speech in January at the VPL on gender identity. However, her argument that men aren’t women has drawn criticism from the LGBTQ2+ community over concerns about hate speech and the rights of trans people.
This latest decision follows a refusal to allow the University of B.C. a parade presence over a similar issue. The pride society banned UBC’s entry for hosting an event with Jenn Smith, who has been speaking out against gender-inclusive and anti bullying education resources in B.C. schools called SOGI 123.
UBC defended the talk, citing the institution’s commitment to freedom of expression. The society says if UBC amends its booking policy, it will be welcome back to the parade in 2020.
Tiffany Crawford – Vancouver Sun – July 23, 2019.
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