Milobar says SOGI position hasn't changed, despite pushback from local organizations

SOGI stance draws criticism

Kamloops-Centre MLA Peter Milobar is defending his stance on SOGI as local groups raise concerns about his leadership campaign rhetoric.

Milobar, who is one of two frontrunners in the B.C. Conservative Party's leadership race, recently began touting a pledge to repeal SOGI 123, a provincial guideline for schools aimed at fostering respect and inclusion for 2SLGBTQ+ students and families.

SOGI 123 has been in place since 2016. It has become a flashpoint in recent years for some who accuse the government of pushing queer ideology on kids.

Milobar didn’t go that far, but he is leaning into the message. The former Kamloops mayor recently sent out an email blast seeking campaign donations in which he described SOGI 123 as ideology and activism being forced on kids while parents are pushed aside.

In the email, he said he would “end the mandatory SOGI framework and refocus classrooms on learning” if premier.

“The erosion of our children’s education has to stop,” it reads.

Milobar also pledged in the email to ensure students feel safe at school, with sensitive topics handled with transparency and respect.

“Moms and dads want schools to focus on reading, writing, math, science and preparing their children for the future,” it reads.

Wants to push reset

Milobar told Castanet he’s not sure what the SOGI 123 replacement would look like, but said he wants “a comprehensive system in place to protect kids.”

He said parents are uncomfortable with some of what their kids are learning at school.

“It's about our resetting that whole piece,” he said. “Of course you have to have curriculum.”

Milobar said students need a learning environment that isn't just safe from gender identity-related bullying, but also free from racial and religious persecution.

He said parents who want to be engaged in a meaningful way around such topics should be afforded the opportunity.

‘Grandstanding’ alleged

Bonnie McBride, District Parent Advisory Council chair, told Castanet Milobar’s comments about repealing SOGI and fortifying parental rights are “extremely alarming.”

She said his comments related to parents' rights needing to be put back into the education system is “simply rhetoric," because parental engagement is already legislated.

“There are mechanisms for parents to be engaged in what the school day looks like for kids. They have always been there,” McBride said.

She said it is not the place of government to create curriculum for children in public education.

“Grandstanding on the idea that there needs to be a systemic change is actually harmful to a very vulnerable population,” she said.

She said neither parents nor politicians should be directing educators on curriculum.

“Educators choose the best way to educate children, and they are in the best position to make those decisions,” McBride said.

Kamloops Pride is also voicing opposition to Milobar’s recent statements on SOGI.

In response, it is hosting a letter writing campaign on April 11 at the Haus of Misfit, 275 Tranquille Rd., between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. The letters will be delivered to Milobar’s office.

McBride said she’s not sure what a repeal of SOGI would look like, but doesn’t think it could be repealed. She noted it is not a document, but rather a variety of subject matter built into myriad aspects of students’ education, delivered in various ways.

'There's not a difference'

The B.C. Conservatives' education platform in the 2024 election vowed to “identify and remove lesson plans, seminars, policy guides, curriculum elements and practices stemming from SOGI 123.”

Milobar joined the party a month before the election after BC United, formerly the Liberal Party, folded. He supported SOGI 123 under his previous party.

He said he hasn't changed his stance on the matter.

“There's not a difference. In the campaign we committed to repeal it, I was asked to explain how my thoughts worked around that, and I still say it does need to be repealed,” Milobar said.

“My email very clearly said we still have to protect children and make sure there's not bullying, but we also need age appropriateness in their curriculum and a reworked approach. That's what I've said in the election. That's what I'm saying now.”

In an interview with Castanet ahead of the 2024 election, Milobar said the party’s plan to replace SOGI 123 with zero-tolerance anti-bullying programs wouldn’t change the core intention of the policy, which he said is in place to protect students from bullying.

“The core fundamental piece is that there needs to be training modules and resources and support for teachers and faculty to properly protect kids at school from bullying as it relates to sexual orientation, gender identity, race and religion,” he said at the time.

Milobar said in 2024 that the SOGI 123 brand had become a distraction, and he suggested changing the name.

“If people have an issue with the title SOGI on a training manual book and they want ‘How to protect children from bullying’ as the title of the training manual, great,” he said.

Two months remain

Former Conservative leader John Rustad was forced out of the job by caucus MLAs and party officials in December in a show of non-confidence. The Opposition is currently being led by interim leader Trevor Halford.

The party's new leader will be announced on May 30.