A new report shows that the vast majority of Albertans support allowing Gay-Straight Alliances in all schools.
Gay-Straight Alliances or GSAs are voluntary student-based clubs that are open to all students.
The report released by the Rocky Mountain Civil Liberties Association says both Bill 10 and Bill 202 should be scrapped and restarted from scratch.
It recommends that new legislation should allow for GSAs in all schools, regardless of the decisions made by the school boards.
"I'm hopeful that at least parts of it are going to be taken seriously, we can't predict what they're going to do and I guess we're going to have to wait for them on that,” said Kelly Ernst from the Rocky Mountain Civil Liberties Association.
The findings suggest protecting gender identity against discrimination in the Alberta Human Rights Act and recommends omitting the part of the law that allows parents to pull their kids out of class when religion or sexual orientation is being discussed.
Advocates for gay rights say the recommendations are on the right track.
“The time is now. They’ve said they would do this before the election and it’s time to get down to it and implement these recommendations. They are exactly the recommendations our supporters are looking for and I think the majority of Albertans,” said Richard Einarson from Safe Schools Alberta.
In January, Education Minister Gordon Dirks said that GSAs should be allowed on school property and he promised to review the report.
Dirks issued a statement saying…
"I attended one of the RMCLA's public consultations in Edmonton and have received their report and recommendations regarding GSAs in Alberta’s schools. I will be reviewing this report, which is an important part of the conversation we are having with Albertans on this issue.
There is no place for bullying or discrimination in our school system. I am committed to ensuring that all students are able to experience safe, caring, respectful and inclusive learning environments at their schools."
The findings were based on two public hearings and a separate poll.