No skipping gay-friendly classes, schools tell par

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Topic started by Boudie - Spiritual Warrior (saratiddy)

People don't believe me that I am shy face-2-face, despite being a right cheeky monkey on some Forums. Orginally from the West Country, but transplanted to Reading in early 90s. Joined OUT for both Gay Male & Female friends, to break the feelings of isolation after the breakup of a long term relationship.

A topic from News & Current Affairs: Gay

saratiddyThu 26/06/08 16:36

No skipping gay-friendly classes, schools tell parents

Catholic group says parents must have the right to pull kids out of classes

The Vancouver board of education says it plans to enforce a ministry policy that prevents parents from pulling students out of classes that deal with alternative sexuality.

A recent staff recommendation from the Vancouver board of education says parents can pull their children out of sensitive lessons in health classes because of religious or family beliefs, but can't opt their children out of gay-friendly lessons in any other classes.

The recommendation, released Friday, sets out detailed guidelines and procedures the district intends to distribute to schools.

"We're expected to do that by the [Education] Ministry, so it's not something we've initiated of our own volition," said Ken Denike, a Vancouver school board trustee.

According to ministry guidelines, students can only opt out of the health portions of Health and Career Education K to 7, Health and Career Education 8 and 9, and Planning 10.

They aren't exempt from the lessons completely and must learn the material outside the classroom setting, by home instruction or self-directed studies.

They also have to prove they've learned the material.

Edward Da Vita, a spokesman for the Catholic Civil Rights League, said he would prefer parents be able to pull their children out of any class containing controversial material. "The problem now is that controversial subject matter can be brought up any time, anywhere, and there is no reasonable alternative delivery available for that," he said.

The league has long fought the policies.

The ministry guidelines stem from a contract the government signed with gay activists Murray and Peter Corren. The couple launched a human-rights case against the government, which ended the lawsuit by signing an agreement to add teachings about gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered issues to the provincial curriculum.

Education Minister Shirley Bond sent a letter to school districts in the fall of 2006, stating that parents can only remove students from the health classes they object to.

Denike said he anticipates some negative feedback from parents and the community as the issue resurfaces.

"It's a very touchy subject," he said. "It has to be handled sensitively. It's going to be difficult."

Sean Murphy, another spokesman for the Catholic league, said Vancouver parents might still be able to control which classes children attend.

"Any parent who is determined may be successful in getting an exemption," he said.

Article: www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/story.html?id=4e7d57ae-6bf2-4bec-85d7-369352b16b42

saratiddyThu 26/06/08 16:38

quoting > "The Vancouver board of education says it plans to enforce a ministry policy that prevents parents from pulling students out of classes that deal with alternative sexuality."

... Well done to the Vancouver Board of Education for standing up for equality and trying to enforce Ministry policy. I hope that they are not forced to back down or a small group of homophobics win.

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