Protesters clashed on the front steps of the B.C. Legislature in Victoria Saturday, sharing their polarizing views on the contentious SOGI 123 initiative.
Dozens against the resource, used by teachers across the province to discuss sexual orientation and inclusivity with students, held signs that read B次元官网网址淪OGI 123 needs to end,B次元官网网址� and B次元官网网址淒onB次元官网网址檛 bully the parents we have rights, too.B次元官网网址�
B次元官网网址淵ou can be anything you want, but you cannot tell our children your world views,B次元官网网址� shouted Laura Lynn-Thompson, an anti-SOGI Christian blogger running for a spot on the Burnaby school board in the upcoming election.
Less than an arms-length away, counter protesters chanted B次元官网网址淪OGI saves lives,B次元官网网址� with rainbow pride and BC Teachers Federation flags, as well as signs that read B次元官网网址渢rust our teachers,B次元官网网址� and B次元官网网址淧ro-education, anti-ignorance, stand with SOGI.B次元官网网址�
SOGI 123 has been part of B.C. kindergarten to Grade 12 curriculum and policies for two years. But with some school board trustee candidates running on platforms that condemn the teaching tool, including in Coquitlam, Richmond and Chilliwack, it appears tensions remain high on the issue.
On Friday, 180 pastors signed what they are calling the West Coast Christian Accord, calling on Education Minister Rob Fleming to remove SOGI 123 immediately.
But a joint statement of support released by the ministry Saturday, and backed by a number of associations including the BC Federation of PAC, M茅tis Nation BC and the school trustees association, says staff and teachers stand unified on keeping it.
B次元官网网址淭here is no room for any type of discrimination in our schools,B次元官网网址� the statement reads.
B次元官网网址淎ll of our provinceB次元官网网址檚 60 school districts have now updated their codes of conduct and all independent schools have updated their harassment and bullying prevention policies that safeguard students from being bullied for their sexual orientation or gender identity.
B次元官网网址淪tudents have the complete support of teachers, administrators, support staff, trustees and parents as we create learning environments where all students are free of discrimination so they can thrive and live authentic lives.B次元官网网址�
ashley.wadhwani@bpdigital.ca
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