Coquitlam City Hall was the scene of competing protests over B.C. sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) in the classroom.
Carrying signs and chanting, some 500 people marched near the intersection of Guildford and Pinetree ways in opposition to SOGI while another group carrying Pride flags marched in support.
The 1 Million March 4 Children rally, organized by Hands Off Our Kids, was one of 70 in communities across Canada.
"Leave our kids alone," anti-SOGI protesters chanted while members of the Coquitlam RCMP were looking on.
Despite the police presence, someone was punched, according to Tri-City News' on-scene reporter Janis Cleugh.
Meanwhile, hundreds more gathered in support of SOGI in schools as a counter-protest was formed by the Tri-Cities Pride Society.
"Anti-SOGI protests are dangerous," the group said in a statement to the Tri-City News on Monday, Sept. 18.
"By opposing policies and initiatives that promote inclusive education and protection of LGBTQ2AIS+ rights, they are promoting the increased stigmatization and marginalization of our communities. It also causes direct harm to LGBTQ2AIS+ youth when they see public opposition to the protection of their emotional wellbeing in schools."
