New law hinders Ontario Catholic schools

Bill-13 will force Church centered schools to adopt gay-straight alliances

The Ontario Catholic School Trutees' Association's "Respecting Differences" resource guide was released in January. The OCSTA chair Marino Gazzola believes the guide tackles bullying in a proactive way but if the policy contradicts Bill-13, the new legislation will take precedent.

The hands of Catholic school boards in Ontario are tied with the passing of the new "Accepting Schools Act," according to an article by Michael Swan and Evan Boudreau of the Catholic Register featured on The B.C. Catholic website:

Passage of the bill means Catholic schools must allow gay-straight alliance clubs if requested by students.

“Recognizing that the Accepting Schools Act is now the law, Catholic partners will seek, as we have always done, in a way that is in accord with our faith, to foster safe and welcoming school communities,” said Cardinal Thomas Collins. “Bullying, in any form, is unacceptable. At the core of our Catholic Christian beliefs is the command to welcome every person with love and respect.”

Cardinal Collins notes that the Assembly of Catholic Bishops of Ontario “expressed serious concerns regarding certain aspects of this legislation,” along with some parents, teachers and education advocates.

Read the full story at The B.C. Catholic website.