# Freedom to Love

!!! quote "Love Wisdom"
    "Love isn't just about who we are, it's about who we're free to become together."

# Who is Responsible?

[Call Premier Danielle Smith](tel:7804272251){ .md-button }
[Email Premier Smith](https://influence.freealberta.org/campaign/love-smith){ .md-button }

[Call Deputy Premier Mike Ellis](tel:7804159550){ .md-button }
[Email Deputy Premier Ellis](https://influence.freealberta.org/campaign/love-ellis){ .md-button }

[Call Searle Turton, Minister of Children and Family Services](tel:7806445255){ .md-button }
[Email Minister Turton](https://influence.freealberta.org/campaign/love-turton){ .md-button }

[Call Rick Wilson, Minister of Mental Health and Addiction](tel:7804270165){ .md-button }
[Email Minister Williams](https://influence.freealberta.org/campaign/love-williams){ .md-button }

[Call Tanya Fir, Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women](tel:7804223559){ .md-button }
[Email Minister of Arts and Culture](https://influence.freealberta.org/campaign/community-spaces){ .md-button }

[Call Andrew Boitchenko, Minister of Tourism and Sport](tel:7804273070){ .md-button }
[Email Minister of Tourism](https://influence.freealberta.org/campaign/public-spaces){ .md-button }

## Why Do We Need Freedom to Love?

Because somehow we got stuck thinking there's only one right way to build relationships and families. Plot twist: love comes in more varieties than Tim Hortons' donuts, and that's actually pretty great.

### Our Current "Love" System

!!! example "The Alberta Love Journey"
    1. We grow up with specific expectations
    2. We're told there's only one "right" way
    3. We hide who we really are
    4. We judge others' choices
    5. We miss out on meaningful connections
    6. We repeat the cycle with the next generation

## What Real Love Freedom Looks Like

- Relationship choice (beyond traditional expectations)
- Family diversity (all types welcome)
- Gender expression (be who you are)
- Cultural celebrations (love across all communities)
- Safe spaces (for everyone to be themselves)

### But What About Traditional Values?!

!!! info "Plot Twist"
    Traditional values aren't threatened by other people's happiness. Your marriage isn't less valid because others can marry too.

## The Love Landscape

### Personal Freedom
- Identity expression
- Relationship choices
- Family planning
- Personal growth
- Self-acceptance

### Community Support
- LGBTQ2S+ services
- Cultural celebrations
- Support groups
- Safe spaces
- Community events

### Legal Protection
- Equal rights
- Anti-discrimination
- Family rights
- Healthcare access
- Housing security

!!! tip "Pro Freedom Tip"
    If we think limiting others' love makes ours stronger, we might need to rethink what love actually means.

## Breaking Down Barriers

What's Stopping Us:

- Social prejudice
- Family pressure
- Religious expectations
- Cultural norms
- Workplace discrimination
- Housing discrimination

### What We Need

- Legal protections
- Community acceptance
- Support services
- Safe spaces
- Mental health resources
- Family counseling

## The Economic Reality

When we're free to love:

- Our communities thrive
- Our families strengthen
- Our youth stay local
- Our businesses grow
- Our culture enriches
- Our society progresses

!!! warning "Reality Check"
    Our freedom to love traditionally doesn't mean others shouldn't have the freedom to love differently.

## The Love Freedom Checklist

Essential Freedoms:

- Freedom to be ourselves
- Freedom to choose partners
- Freedom to build families
- Freedom to express gender
- Freedom to live openly
- Freedom to celebrate love

## The Bottom Line

Freedom to love means having the right to build authentic relationships and families without fear, discrimination, or judgment. It means understanding that love strengthens our community when we let it flourish in all its forms.

!!! note "Let's Support Love"
    Ready to support love freedom? Let's start by:
    - Supporting LGBTQ2S+ rights
    - Celebrating diverse families
    - Creating safe spaces
    - Fighting discrimination
    - Teaching acceptance
    - Sharing love stories

Remember: Love isn't a finite resource - letting others love freely doesn't diminish anyone else's love. If anything, it makes our whole community stronger.

!!! tip "Fun Fact"
    Did you know? Communities that embrace diversity and love freedom tend to have lower rates of mental health issues and higher rates of economic growth. It's almost like letting people be themselves is good for everyone.

---

## Sources & Evidence

### Alberta's Anti-LGBTQ+ Legislation

- In December 2024, Alberta passed **Bills 26, 27, and 29** - the most restrictive LGBTQ+ policies in Canada
- **Bill 26**: Bans gender-affirming care for youth under 18
- **Bill 27**: Requires parental permission for pronoun changes (under 16), effectively allowing schools to out LGBTQ+ students to unsupportive families
- **Bill 29**: Bans trans women from sports teams (age 12+)
- Source: [CBC News - Alberta trans legislation](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/alberta-trans-bills-1.7089234)

### The Notwithstanding Clause

- A court **injunction blocked the care ban** (June 2025)
- In December 2025, the government **invoked the notwithstanding clause** to override Charter of Rights and Freedoms protections
- This is only the second time Alberta has used the notwithstanding clause
- Source: [Globe and Mail - Notwithstanding clause Alberta](https://www.theglobeandmail.com/)

### Medical & Professional Opposition

- The **Alberta Medical Association** opposed Bills 26, 27, 29
- The **Canadian Pediatric Society** opposed the legislation
- The **Alberta Teachers' Association** opposed Bill 27's pronoun notification requirements
- Mental health experts warn these policies **increase suicide risk** for LGBTQ+ youth
- Source: [Alberta Medical Association](https://www.albertadoctors.org/)
- Source: [Alberta Teachers' Association](https://www.teachers.ab.ca/)

### PM Trudeau Response

- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called Alberta's policies "**most anti-LGBT of anywhere in the country**"
- Federal government considering intervention options
- Source: [CBC News - Trudeau on Alberta LGBTQ policies](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/)

### Mental Health Impact

- LGBTQ+ youth face significantly higher mental health risks
- Wait times for psychiatric care in Alberta: **6 months to 1.5 years**
- Limited LGBTQ+-affirming mental health services available in the province
- Source: [Canadian Mental Health Association](https://cmha.ca/)

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