Dear Citizen,

Thank you for the correspondence in relation to the Sept. 20th protest.
The following is my statement on this issue of Gender and Sex Education.

Had I been in Canada I would have fully supported those who believe the safety of children and adults overrides the poorly conceived notion of parental rights.

Apologies for any grammatical or syntax errors. I am writing hurriedly so I can attend to family matters.

“Had I been in Guelph, I would have supported my friend and colleague Councillor Erin Caton in her efforts to promote people joining in support for those believing in LGBTQ rights to non-harassment, ostracism, and inclusion of gender issues in the school curriculum.

As a former teacher who addressed these issues and has a stepdaughter who is both queer and a teacher, I believe it important that in an open society, we address these issues effectively without fear with compassion, and using reason not reaction. I also think of my former students who struggled with these issues and think proudly of how well the staff at my school addressed these with kind guidance and support. I note too how gender issues are sometimes used to promote division rather than unity – unity being something that is so needed these days on a myriad of issues from gender to poverty to environmental degradation to mental health- don’t you think so?

Please feel free to share my position, I believe it important that the open society address issues of race, gender, sex sexuality, and even ageism in a healthy safe manner. I am proud that many of my colleagues on the council feel the same.”

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further concerns. I am available by email or by phone even when away at this email or the phone number below. I shall be back in Canada on Monday if you wish to talk further.

Yours sincerely,

Phil Allt
Councillor, Ward 3
City of Guelph
519 827-6579