MLA’s voted 37-14 in favor of introducing Bill 137 for first reading, with all of the opposing votes coming from the NDP. Independent MLA Nadine Wilson voted with the SaskParty MLA’s.

Bill 137 will use the notwithstanding clause in the Canadian Constitution to ensure parents provide consent if a child under the age of 16 wants to change their gender identification in school. The legislation contains fifteen other points including “parents have the right to be informed two weeks in advance of the subject matter of the sexual health content, as well as the dates it will be presented.”

This is Education Minister Jeremy Cockrill.

The Opposition calls Bill 137 a “smokescreen” to divert attention from topics such as mental health and suicide.

This is NDP Health Critic Vicki Mowat.

SaskParty house leader Jeremy Harrison is offering an extended period for debate on the legislation. The 40 hours proposed would be twice the amount that is typically allotted.