IIO investigating Surrey tractor crash that police say was linked to anti-SOGI convoy

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.

WATCH | Tractor rollover results in unusual sight in Surrey:

Dramatic and unusual scene as tractor rolls over near Highway 1 in Surrey, B.C.

9 months ago

Duration 0:30

One person has been taken into custody after a tractor crashed into a police car on Saturday afternoon, CBC's Jon Azpiri reports.

They added there would be no further comment as the case is now under investigation by several agencies.

Social mediavideos show the tractor witha 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 aneducation resourceendorsed by the province for use in B.C. schools.

The program websitehas aguidethat focuses on addressing discrimination and bullying, creating a supportive and inclusive environment for LGBTQ students, and acknowledgingthere are people of varying genders and sexual orientations.

SOGI has sparked large-scale protestsfor 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.