Laurie Throness resigned from the Chilliwack School Board on Thursday, February 26, 2026, stating he no longer feels “safe” expressing himself following the $750,000 human-rights decision against former trustee Barry Neufeld for hate speech.
Resignation Follows Landmark Ruling
Throness announced his resignation was “effective immediately,” asserting that the B.C. Human Rights Tribunal’s ruling against Neufeld has created a “chill on public discourse.” He stated, “I can no longer do my job,” and argued that democratically-elected officials “must feel comfortable to speak their mind without worrying about accusations of workplace discrimination.”
The B.C. Human Rights Tribunal (BCHRT) found that Neufeld violated sections 7(1)(a), (b), and 13 of the Human Rights Code. Specifically, the tribunal determined that some of Neufeld’s statements could “expose gay, lesbian, and trans people to hatred or contempt” based on their gender identity and/or sexual orientation. As an example, Neufeld had referred to gender-affirming support for trans children as “child abuse.”
Concerns Over Silencing Effect
Throness expressed concern that his ability to speak freely on board issues has been “obstructed.” He acknowledged the Tribunal’s stated support for freedom of speech but cautioned that “there is a fine line between speech that falls afoul of the Human Rights Code and speech that doesn’t.” He warned that the ruling could have a “silencing effect” on B.C. School boards.
Throness stated the judgment is “a warning and a threat that places an absolute-zero chill upon public discourse and the freedom of speech of elected trustees.” He further claimed that the result of the Tribunal’s decision is to “destroy” freedom of speech. He also indicated he would like to call for the suspension of SOGI as a teaching resource, but felt unable to do so as a trustee.
Throness believes the B.C. Legislature should be responsible for regulating the speech of school trustees. He called upon the legislature to pass a bill placing the speech of school board trustees, municipal councillors, and regional district directors outside the purview of the tribunal.
According to Throness, because of the School Act, S.36(2), no by-election will be needed as his resignation occurred after January 1 during an election year. He estimates this will save taxpayers approximately $15,000 in his remuneration. He was previously elected in a costly by-election in 2025 after another trustee resigned to run for a seat in the B.C. Legislature.
Throness previously served two terms as an MLA for the BC Liberals, winning elections in 2013 and 2017. He resigned from the BC Liberal Party in 2020 after taking controversial positions, including advocating for LGBTQ conversion therapy and making comments about the NDP’s plan for free contraception that he described as having “a whiff of eugenics.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted Laurie Throness’s resignation?
Laurie Throness resigned from the Chilliwack School Board because he no longer feels “safe” expressing himself following the $750,000 human-rights decision against former trustee Barry Neufeld for hate speech.
What was the basis of the B.C. Human Rights Tribunal’s decision against Barry Neufeld?
The B.C. Human Rights Tribunal found that Barry Neufeld violated sections 7(1)(a), (b), and 13 of the Human Rights Code through publications that constituted hate speech and could expose LGBTQ+ individuals to hatred or contempt.
What is Laurie Throness proposing to address the situation?
Laurie Throness is calling upon the B.C. Legislature to pass a bill placing the speech of school board trustees, municipal councillors, and regional district directors outside the purview of the tribunal.
As school boards navigate increasingly sensitive topics, how can they balance the need for open dialogue with the protection of vulnerable groups?
