Regina pastor explains support for trans youths, opposition to pronoun policy

Through the first week of the recalled sitting in the Saskatchewan legislature, members of the public have been taking seats in the gallery expressly to show their opposition to the province’s pronoun policy, which is likely to soon be law.

Some were invited by the Opposition Saskatchewan NDP, including Pastor Lynn Robertson of Christ Lutheran Church in Regina.
She was recognized in the assembly for her participation the “Walk the Walk” fundraiser where she raised more than $20,000 for LuLu’s Lodge, a transitional and supportive home for LGBTQ+ youths.

Robertson said she’s known youths who’ve had to use LuLu’s Lodge, and feels very strongly about protecting vulnerable young people.

The government introduced its Parents Rights Act containing the controversial pronoun legislation on Thursday, and Robertson said it was disheartening hearing what government was saying. She said it causes her concern for the mental health of kids in the school system.

“Being close to the situation and knowing many queer youth and in LuLu’s Lodge and outside of LuLu’s Lodge, I know that even in households where there are well-meaning and loving parents, they don’t always understand the challenge and the struggle of youth that are exploring their gender identity and striving to understand that,” said Robertson.

The pastor said she’s worried the bill, when it becomes law and comes into force, will take away school as a safe space from vulnerable youths.

Robertson said LuLu’s Lodge is close to capacity and she said the need for such services is likely to grow even further.

“I’m sure all mental health and support agencies like this are maxed, and I just don’t see funding for these organizations being a priority, and that saddens me as a citizen in this province,” she explained.

The provincial government introduced the bill in the house on Thursday, and debate is expected to begin next week.