An event featuring a controversial speaker in Oak Bay had to be cut short after it was interupted by people opposed to the transgender speaker's controversial message.
Jenn Smith is critical of the sexual orientation and gender identity curriculum -- or SOGI -- taught in B.C. schools.
Hundreds of people, many from the LGBTQ community, showed up outside the Windsor Pavillion where the event was taking place to protest the talk saying it promotes hate.
Oak Bay council looked into cancelling the event, but said there were no legal grounds to do that.
Oak Bay police were on hand monitoring the event. In a release they say with the number of people present, and the manner in which they were addressing one another, it became clear it wouldn't be possible to ensure public safety.
Presenters were asked to end the talk, those present were asked to disperse. Police say everyone cmplied without incident.
Oak Bay Mayor Kevin Murdoch says the controversy has spurred council to review booking policies for future events at public venues.