Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has sparked controversy by suggesting that opposition from the Muslim community to LGBTQ+ inclusive curriculum in K-12 education is influenced by the American right-wing. Trudeau made these remarks during a meeting with the Muslim community at the Baitun Nur Mosque in Calgary, following protests against gender ideology in schools.

The Prime Minister's comments came after an incident where an Edmonton Public Schools teacher was recorded reprimanding Muslim students for avoiding pride events. The teacher asserted that respect must be reciprocal, implying that acceptance of LGBTQ+ identities is a prerequisite for receiving respect for one's own religious beliefs.

During the mosque meeting, a Muslim attendee expressed concerns about the perceived negative impact of the curriculum on their cultural and religious values. Trudeau responded by alleging that misinformation, primarily disseminated by the American right-wing on social media, was distorting the reality of the curriculum's content.

In a separate incident, hundreds of protesters in Calgary voiced their opposition to gender ideology in schools, chanting slogans such as "Leave our kids alone" and "Our kids, our choice." Speakers at the protest emphasized the vulnerability of children and the need to protect them from perceived harmful influences.

Trudeau further contended that right-wing groups were exploiting the LGBTQ+ issue to create division within the Muslim community, undermining the principles of respect and openness that he believes characterize Canada's support for Muslims. He insisted that the curriculum does not promote the conversion of children to LGBTQ+ identities and framed the issue as a tactic employed by those opposed to both Muslim and LGBTQ+ rights.

Left-leaning commentators in the U.S. have echoed Trudeau's sentiments, raising concerns about the perceived alliance between Muslims and the political right on this issue. Some have characterized this collaboration as a concerning development, highlighting the right's historical stance on Muslim issues. MSNBC, for instance, has suggested that the right is actively "recruiting" Muslims, a claim disputed by Edward Ahmed Mitchell, the national deputy director at the Council for American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). Mitchell emphasized the independent thinking of Muslim parents and their right to express their own views.

Ismail Royer, director of the Islam and Religious Freedom Action Team for the Religious Freedom Institute, criticized these narratives as insulting to Muslims, asserting their autonomy in decision-making and their right to reject proposals they deem unfavorable. Activist Sameerah Munshi, of the Coalition of Virtue, has also spoken out, emphasizing the non-partisan nature of their faith and the right of Muslim parents to transmit their values to their children.