Taking legal action against name and pronoun restrictions at school in Alberta

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Case Background

On January 31, 2024, the Premier of Alberta announced a series of policy changes that represent a sweeping attack on the rights, safety, and freedoms of 2SLGBTQI people in the province. Despite widespread criticism from experts and Alberta families over the following months, the government enacted its proposed measures through three bills (Bills 26, 27, and 29) in October 2024. These laws rely on fear and misinformation to target a small and vulnerable group: gender-diverse youth and adults, and the broader 2SLGBTQI communities. 

All three bills received Royal Assent on December 5, 2024. The following day, Egale and Skipping Stone launched legal action against Bill 26, which prevents gender-diverse youth in Alberta from accessing medically necessary care 

On September 2, 2025, Egale and Skipping Stone launched a second legal case against the Government of Alberta – this time, challenging the constitutionality of pronoun and name restrictions contained in Bill 27. 

Egale Canada has been involved in legal action against similar provincial legislation and policy in Saskatchewan and New Brunswick.  

Our Legal Arguments and What We’re Fighting For 

For gender-diverse youth, especially for those with difficult family situations, having the support of an affirming teacher and school environment can be critical. Schools are often the first, and sometimes the only, setting where these young people can safely express their gender identity.

Bill 27 removes that protection. It strips educators of the ability to exercise professional judgment in supporting their students. It mandates that, if a student requests to be recognized by a name or pronouns consistent with their gender identity, the student must be outed to their parents. For students under the age of 16, parental consent is also required before teachers may respect the student’s chosen name and pronouns. Until notification or consent occurs, teachers and staff are required to misgender and deadname the student.

Bill 27 is a direct attack on the constitutional rights of gender-diverse youth in Alberta. The name and pronoun restrictions violate multiple protections under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms: the right to security of the person (s. 7), the right to be free from cruel and unusual treatment (s. 12[EF1] ), and the right to equal protection and equal benefit of the law without discrimination on the basis of gender identity (s. 15).

Every student deserves a supportive educational environment where they can thrive. Bill 27 prevents gender diverse youth from being able to authentically express themselves in their own terms and on their own timeline. Furthermore, the name and pronoun restrictions prevent educators from being able to create an affirming learning environment where all can flourish.

In sum, Bill 27 is an unconstitutional attack on the rights of gender diverse youth in Alberta. We must continue to fight for a society where all people are able to live authentic and full lives.

Legal Action Updates

In reverse chronological order

Supporting Documents

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