Protesters against controversial psychologist Jordan Peterson’s upcoming tour stop in Kelowna were in front of Kelowna city hall on May 19 to make their voices heard.
Organizer Brent Forder was joined by several other protestors in an effort to have the city cancel an appearance by Peterson at Prospera Place on May 26.
Brent Forder started a petition to cancel a May 26 Kelowna appearance by Jordan Peterson. He was joined by several others at a protest at city hall May 19. pic.twitter.com/dO0S6aJMlW
— Gary Barnes (@GaryBarnes109) May 19, 2023
“We are seeing people marginalized in this community living in fear of Jordan Peterson and his followers’ ideas,” said Forder.
“We’re trying to get the mayor and council’s attention to do something about it.”
Capital News contacted the city regarding the cancelling of Peterson’s appearance and was told that since Prospera Place is operated by GSL Group, the city does not regulate what performers the company chooses to bring into the areana.
“It’s interesting because the City of Kelowna does have an official community safety plan,” added Forder. “It spells out principles of anti-racism, intersectionality, inclusivity, and keeping communities safe. They identified that racism and different kinds of bigotry were prominent threats to the safety of Kelowna communities.”
Forder started a petition on change.org earlier this month asking people to sign their name in solidarity with those opposing Peterson’s views. Shortly after, another petition was posted to the same site that asked people to support Peterson’s visit.
READ MORE: Petition seeks to cancel Kelowna tour stop by controversial psychologist Jordan Peterson
READ MORE: Petition in support of Jordan Peterson’s Kelowna tour stop
Around nine people showed up for the May 19 protest.
Several protesters showed up at Kelowna City Hall May 19 in opposition to an upcoming appearance by Jordan Peterson at Prospera Place May 26. @KelownaCapNews pic.twitter.com/Gqy8LwG4gS
— Gary Barnes (@GaryBarnes109) May 19, 2023
Forder said another protest, scheduled for May 26 at Prospera Place has been cancelled and instead the group will hold a Healing the Hate: A Community Forum About Facing Bigotry on the same date in City Park.
@JakeC_16
Jake.courtepatte@kelownacapnews.com
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@GaryBarnes109
gary.barnes@kelownacapnews.com
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