Petition urges Victoria councillor-elect to resign over social media posts

More than 1,500 people have signed a petition calling on Victoria councillor-elect Wendy Bowkett to resign before taking office. It cites her social media activity, including posts described as perpetuating anti-transgender rhetoric. Eddi Wilson started the petition on Monday, two days after the election. In an interview with CTV News on Tuesday, Wilson said Bowkett’s tweets contain misinformation and disinformation, adding that politicians at every level should be held to a higher standard.

In a Dec. 27, 2024, post on X, Bowkett said it is never too late to become a TERF, short for trans-exclusionary radical feminist. The acronym refers to feminists who do not recognize trans women as women. Bowkett’s account has also reposted various content criticizing gender identity.

In an email to CTV News, Bowkett said she has volunteered in the community for two decades and has always worked with an inclusive mindset. She apologized for social media comments that could be seen as snarky or mean. She also said responding to the accusations is complicated because people seeking to attack her have generated fake posts attributed to her. CTV verified several of the posts in question. Bowkett did not respond when asked which posts were fake.

### Mayor calls for inclusion

Bowkett received 13,545 votes. She said she looks forward to meeting people across the community, hearing their concerns and working for a city hall that listens, makes transparent decisions and focuses on municipal issues.

Victoria Mayor Marianne Alto, elected to a second term, said there is no recall legislation for local government officials. She said the city has firm inclusion policies and a code of conduct, and that she will demand council members treat one another and the public with the respect they deserve. If behaviour at the council table or in the chambers undermines those policies, she said, she will intervene as chair.

According to 2021 census data, Victoria is Canada’s most gender-diverse urban centre, with 0.75 per cent of residents identifying as trans or non-binary. The Victoria Pride Society said the controversy has caused concern in the local 2SLGBTQIA+ community. In a statement, the society said transgender and gender-diverse people face increased hostility and misinformation, and that public leaders have a responsibility to create communities where all residents feel safe, respected and included.

### Bowkett was endorsed by firefighters

Bowkett will soon sit in council chambers with councillor Jeremy Caradonna, who was elected to a second term. Caradonna is urging her to work to rebuild the trust of gender-diverse people. In a statement, he said councillors represent everyone in Victoria and all residents should feel safe from discrimination by elected officials. He also said the organizations that endorsed Bowkett should clarify whether they share her views.

Bowkett was one of seven candidates endorsed by the Victoria Firefighters Association, and four of them were elected. The association said its endorsements were based on candidates’ support for its public safety priorities. Josh Montgomery, president of IAFF Local 730, said in a statement that endorsed candidates are individuals with their own beliefs and platforms, and the association does not share all of them. He said Local 730 takes pride in protecting and providing for all Victorians without prejudice.

### Diversity consultant weighs in

A local diversity consultant who is trans said there is an opportunity for civil and productive conversations in the community and on council. Britton Kohn, regional coordinator for the Greater Victoria Police Diversity Advisory Committee, said a trans woman is a woman. Kohn said a man will not go through transition and lose a significant amount of privilege to gain access to women’s spaces, adding that men who want access to those spaces simply take it.

Kohn said resolution is possible. It starts with acknowledging that you did not understand, and being willing to learn and grow, he said. That, Kohn added, makes for a leader with a significant impact.