IIO investigating Surrey tractor crash that police say was linked to anti-SOGI convoy
Social media posts show tractor was flying banner opposing SOGI 123, provincial education resource on gender
B.C.'s police oversight agency is investigating a highway chase involving a tractor flying a protest banner against sexual orientation and gender identity programs in schools.
Surrey police said Sunday that one person was taken into custody after the tractor crashed with a cruiser and rolled on Highway 1.
Mounties said Monday the Independent Investigations Office, B.C.'s police oversight agency, is looking into whether police actions were responsible for the man's injuries, which the RCMP said were not life threatening.
In a statement, police say officers repeatedly attempted to pull the tractor over for an "extended period" while it was part of a convoy of vehicles going to Vancouver.
They added there would be no further comment as the case is now under investigation by several agencies.
Social media videos show the tractor with a black banner saying "Stop SOGI 123," as part of a convoy protesting sexual orientation and gender identity programs being taught in public schools.
SOGI, or sexual orientation and gender identity, is an education resource endorsed by the province for use in B.C. schools.
The program website has a guide that focuses on addressing discrimination and bullying, creating a supportive and inclusive environment for LGBTQ students, and acknowledging there are people of varying genders and sexual orientations.
SOGI has sparked large-scale protests for and against the teaching of gender diversity in schools, with opponents contending that parents have the right to stop their children from being taught about gender and sex in the classroom for religious and moral reasons.
Proponents of the policy have said, however, that it allows for a safe space for gender-diverse students in schools and for them to be accepted more broadly.
With files from The Canadian Press