The premier and his conservative colleagues have changed their minds about one of the most controversial issues facing the government over the last few months and have tabled an amendment to Bill 10.
The province’s Education Minister Gordon Dirks now says that gay straight alliances or GSAs will be allowed in any school where students want them and permission will not be required from school boards or parents.
The minister tabled a draft amendment to Bill 10 in the Legislature on Tuesday that stresses the importance of giving students the choice to form the clubs.
“But there’s no question the vast majority of Albertans with whom I interacted spoke in favour of ensuring that kids who want to form a GSA club in their school should be able to do so,” said Gordon Dirks.
The opposition liberals introduced a bill nearly a year ago, asking for GSAs, but the Tories wouldn't sign off, saying that if a school board chooses to block a GSA then students would have to take them to court.
“I do thank the premier for his support and leadership in this. I’m so glad that you all heard those students, it was important that you did,” said Liberal MLA Laurie Blakeman.
The bill was pushed to a third reading and was passed by the end of the day.
