Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said she is “sympathetic to parents who want to preserve the innocence of their kids for as long as they can.” .“And that’s part of the reason our School Act allows parents to have that choice to have their kids be exposed and taught about religion and sexuality at a pace that is their choice,” said Smith at a Thursday press conference. .“That being said, we also know that some times these protests can get a little heated, and it’s unfortunate if people take their opposition too far and cross the line.” .If that happens, Smith said there are mechanisms in the law to ensure these issues are addressed. With the fallout from the One Million March for Children ongoing, she called for people to reflect on what children are thinking as they watch these protests. .That is what she is most concerned about. She said every child “needs to feel safe and protected and needs to know that they’re supported in their choices.” .Smith concluded by saying she is trying to find the right balance and depoliticize parental rights. .“But I respect the right of people, when they have these really complex, difficult discussions to have, that they do it in a civil way, and I support that.” .Tens of thousands of Canadians took to the streets on Wednesday for the One Million March for Children to demand more parental rights in classrooms. .READ MORE: Tens of thousands of Canadians march for parental rights.Protests in cities such as Ottawa; St. John’s, NL; Montreal; Toronto; Edmonton; and Calgary saw people participate in marches organized by Muslims..NDP leader Jagmeet Singh headed a counterprotest in Ottawa, standing behind a Pride flag.
