OTTAWA, Canada – Canada’s intelligence agency warns of a continued threat of violent attacks against the 2SLGBTQI+ community, with extremists potentially being inspired to carry out serious violence. The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) emphasizes the potential for an increased risk of violence over the coming year due to the anti-gender movement. This comes amidst heated debates across the country regarding gender-affirming surgeries and pronoun preferences.
The warning from CSIS follows an attack on a gender-studies class at the University of Waterloo by a former student, who is now facing 11 terrorism charges. The agency emphasizes that while violent rhetoric does not always lead to violence, the proliferation of such rhetoric within the anti-gender movement creates serious potential for violence.
According to the Integrated Terrorism Assessment Centre (ITAC), there have been monitoring efforts to track the potential for attacks or violent assaults at Pride celebrations, parades, and nightclubs across Canada. The document obtained by CBC News highlights the prevalence of online threats and intimidation tactics targeting the trans and drag communities in recent months, particularly by groups espousing violent rhetoric against the 2SLGBTQI+ community.
The warnings from CSIS have been described as “disheartening” by Alessandro Iachelli, the executive director of Fierté Canada Pride. He expressed concern over the increasing risk of targeted attacks against the 2SLGBTQI+ community and fears a tragedy similar to the 2016 mass shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando. Iachelli also raised concerns about the impact of provincial policies on gender-affirming care and preferred pronouns, citing heightened risks for the community.
The potential attacks and rising tensions surrounding gender-affirming policies have resulted in an emotional debate in Alberta, particularly following Premier Danielle Smith’s announcement of controversial policies affecting transgender and non-binary youth and adults. This has ignited passionate debates, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressing concerns over the impact of such policies on the mental health of young people struggling with gender dysphoria.
CSIS Director David Vigneault has also voiced concerns about the uptick in hate crimes and violent extremist threats across Canada, particularly highlighting the agency’s alarm at hate-fuelled marches colliding with Pride celebrations. The agency emphasizes the need for vigilance and awareness to mitigate the potential for violence against the 2SLGBTQI+ community.
The continued warnings from CSIS underscore the ongoing challenges and risks faced by the 2SLGBTQI+ community in Canada, emphasizing the need for concerted efforts to address the root causes of violent rhetoric and to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals.