Canadian powerlifting champion April Hutchinson led the seventh Sophie Cunningham rally on Tuesday night in Toronto – the first to take place outside of the U.S.
A crowd of Cunningham supporters gathered outside of Scotiabank Arena ahead of the Indiana Fever’s win against the Toronto Tempo. Supporters were seen wearing XX-XY Athletics T-shirts.
Hutchinson told Digital it was all Cunningham supporters, until a small crowd of around five people wearing pro-transgender messaging exchanged words with the Cunningham crowd.
Canadian powerlifting champ April Hutchinson celebrates Sophie Cunningham in Toronto. (Courtesy of April Hutchinson)
“Only about five were wearing protect trans kids and protect the dolls t shirts, [they] walked by and said that our signs were disrespectful,” Hutchinson said.
Hutchinson also credited Toronto police for helping ensure the safety of the rallygoers.
“The Toronto police contacted me this morning and wanted details about the rally to ensure our safety,” Hutchinson said.
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However, a disagreement between Cunningham supporters and local police broke out. A large mobile billboard that featured Cunningham and messaging by Martina Navratilova addressing fairness in women’s sports, and other athletes, prompted police to issue tickets.
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Sophie Cunningham supporters rally in Toronto outside of the Tempo’s game against the Indiana Fever. (Courtesy of April Hutchinson)
The billboard was set up by the news outlet Rebel News. Rebel News has told Digital they have contacted a lawyer to fight the charges.
A copy of the ticket obtained by Digital showed the charges listed as “Display sign with animation/video display/illumination/flashing lights/sound/movement or simulation motion, contrary to Toronto Municipal By-law 693-14, Section 12.”
The Toronto Police Department responded to Digital’s request for comment, writing, “Since this charge is now before the courts, we won’t be able to provide any further information.”
Inside the arena, Cunningham had a solid shooting night, hitting three of three shots from three-point range, finishing with 13 total points. However, many fans in the arena booed Cunningham, as she has become a polarizing figure since coming out in support of protecting women’s sports from biological males.
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Cunningham addressed the boos after the game, and praised the Toronto crowd.
“I want to shout out the Tempo crowd, and the city, I think we had so much fun, it’s my first time being in Canada… but the crowd was absolutely amazing, and I think that’s what sports is all about, you’re going to get boos you’re going to get cheers, but just the fact that they’re so passionate, they’re loud and they’re putting out for the city, I think it’s amazing,” Cunningham told reporters.
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The Cunningham rallies will follow the Fever to their next two games, as two more “Sophie Nights” are planned to take place outside Indiana’s next game in Dallas against the Wings, and in New York on Saturday ahead of a matchup against the Liberty.
