Full Breakdown
SOGI 123 Becomes a Flashpoint in British Columbia’s Provincial Election
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Issue and Legislative Background
British Columbia does not have a mandated SOGI (sexual orientation and gender identity) curriculum, but the optional resource SOGI 123 has been promoted to help schools create safer, more inclusive environments. The program traces its policy roots to a 2016 amendment to the B.C. Human Rights Code that added “gender identity or expression” as prohibited grounds of discrimination, prompting education-system changes aimed at preventing bullying of 2SLGBTQ+ students. In July, the provincial government confirmed that funding for the ARC Foundation—the nonprofit that developed SOGI 123—has been discontinued.
Party Positions
- BC NDP (Leader David Eby) – While ending the party’s formal relationship with the ARC Foundation, the NDP says it will continue to support anti-bullying efforts and teachers’ roles in protecting students.
- BC Greens (Leader Emily Lowan) – Unwaveringly backs SOGI 123, describing it as essential for the wellbeing of vulnerable 2SLGBTQ+ children.
- OneBC (Interim Leader Dallas Brodie) – Mirrors the Conservatives in pledging to repeal SOGI 123 and eliminate all gender-ideology content from classrooms.
Teachers’ Federation Perspective
Carole Gordon, president of the B.C. Teachers’ Federation, stresses that SOGI 123 is just one of many optional tools and should not become a partisan election issue.
Official Statements & Responses
CentreBC leader Elenore Sturko reiterated support for 2SLGBTQ+ students and opposed any repeal of anti-discrimination legislation. Conservative leader Doerkson labeled SOGI 123 a “lightning rod for division” and urged a return to arithmetic and reading. Greens’ statement warned that attacks on the resource threaten children’s safety and dignity. OneBC’s interim leader Brodie emphasized keeping “political ideologies outside of schools.” The Teachers’ Federation urged the public to disregard misinformation and focus on under-resourced schools.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We believe that every student deserves to feel safe and respected and included at school,” — Leader Elenore Sturko
- “Teachers use lots of different resources. It's just one. It doesn't mean it's the only one that allows us to address the curriculum and the needs of kids,” — Carole Gordon, teachers' federation president
- “I think there's a lot of misinformation out there, and we shouldn't be amplifying that information, s o it really shouldn't be an election issue,” — Gordon. LISTEN