Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Trying to Make Sense of Alberta Bill 10 - James A.E. MacLellan


On October 7th of this year, Liberal MLA Kent Hehr introduced a Motion (503) that Alberta essentially follow the practice of Manitoba and Ontario requiring school boards to show support to any student who wants to establish a gay-straight alliance (GSA) and activities that will show an inclusiveness with respect to students regardless of sexual orientation. Wikipedia defines a Gay-Straight Alliance as student-led organizations that are intended to provide a safe, supportive environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) youth and their straight allies.

The Motion is voted down and then on the 15th of October, Liberal MLA Laurie Blakeman announces plans to introduce a private member's bill in support of the GSA directive, which she did on November 15th through Bill 202.   A few weeks later, newly elected Premier Prentice announced that 202 wasn't needed since the government was intending to introduce Bill 10 that would render it redundant. Bill 10 passed second reading but has now been placed on "pause" for more study.

To read more click HERE.  

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