EDMONTON, ALBERTA, CANADA - The Alberta government has invoked the Charter’s notwithstanding clause for the second time in less than a month in this case to protect from legal challenge a trio of laws affecting transgender youth and adults.

Premier Danielle Smith says the move is necessary to protect children’s health and well-being, which she added could be jeopardized if challenges to the laws are tied up in court for a long time.

“This government does not turn to the notwithstanding clause unless the stakes warrant it, and in this case, the stakes could not be higher,” Smith told reporters in a news conference Monday before the bill was introduced Tuesday.

“This is one of the most consequential actions our government will take during our time in office.”

The three laws were passed m

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