Ontario Officials May Force Catholic Schools to Accept Gay-Straight Alliances
- Posted on May 31, 2012 at 8:45am by
Billy Hallowell
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There’s a major battle unfolding in Ontario, Canada, over public funding for Catholic schools. The provincial government is considering a proposal that would give these religious schools no choice but to recognize Gay-Straight Alliances — a mandate that has faith leaders up in arms. If they are forced to recognize these groups, Catholic educators and church heads claim their religious freedom could be under fire.
The proposal, which was introduced by Ontario Education Minister Laurel Broten on May 25, would ban Catholic schools from stopping clubs that go by the “Gay-Straight Alliance” name. This would mean, in essence, that these religious schools would be forced to recognize the clubs by name if requested by the student body. The decision to consider this mandate is complicated, especially considering that the Catholic school system in Ontario is publicly-funded.
This latter fact — public funding — is something that atheists and secularists generally oppose, as they maintain that government dollars going to religious institutions is problematic. After all, religious schools teach theocratic doctrines, which some say cause a troubling mixture of church and state.
“The question as to whether Catholic schools should be required to support gay-straight alliances has been satisfactorily answered,” said Justin Trottier, spokesman for the Toronto-based atheist group the Centre for Inquiry. “The real question now is whether Ontario should be required to continue to support Catholic schools. The elephant in the room — public funding of Catholic schools — has become so destructive to fundamental rights and equality it’s impossible to ignore.”
The debate surrounding the issue is both fiery and complex. The National Post provides other perspectives on the matter:
“It looks like they’re bullying the Catholic Church right now and the Catholic education system,” said Lisa MacLeod, the Conservative education critic, who is not a Catholic. “They have done this broad provocation against the Catholic Church … and really shifted focus away from bullying to a very divisive clause.”
John Tory, a Toronto broadcaster and community leader, advocated for public funding of denominational schools — not just Catholic schools — when he was Conservative leader in the 2007 provincial election. The idea of giving all religious groups public money, he said, was a way of ensuring all faith-based schools would be required to buy into Canadian values. [...]
“I don’t understand how an institution can take this stand in the year 2012,” he said.
“The values of the Catholic Church do not match public policy. But if they take public money they can’t have it both ways. By looking like they’re not fully embracing acceptance [of gays] the Catholic hierarchy is starting to push public opinion against funding their schools.”
According to Catholic News Agency (CNA), opposition to the proposal in religious circles comes for a variety of reasons. To begin, Marino Gazzola, president of the Ontario Catholic School Trustees, believes that the amendment is directly aimed at Catholics, especially considering that the Christian sect has been opposed to Gay-Straight Alliances for some time now. Additionally, Gazzola maintains that the legislation only protects one demographic of students who are bullied, rather than helping all students who face related challenges.
Gazzola isn’t alone in his thoughts on the matter, as his Catholic counterparts agree.
“Catholic educators should be free to make sure that Catholic schools are loving learning environments in which every person is treated with love and respect, and to do so in a way that arises out of our faith tradition and is in harmony with it,” Cardinal Thomas Collins, the Archbishop of Toronto, said in a statement. ”All of those who care about Catholic education are committed to assuring that Catholic schools are formed by the principles of the Gospel, in which all people are treated with love and respect. Catholic schools must be places where each person is received as Christ.”
He said the parliamentary proposal undermines adult authority and prevents the adults responsible for the schools from questioning whether a Gay-Straight Alliance is the most effective method to help students.
The cardinal related that Catholic and non-Catholic parents of students have voiced concern about the proposal to impose the alliances. Non-Catholic parents often send their children to Catholic schools “precisely because they expect a particular approach to life which is largely in harmony with their family and faith convictions.”
Cardinal Collins urged Catholics to reflect on the implications of the proposed change in policy and how it advances the “extraordinary privileging” of one anti-bullying method.
At the same time, he asked supporters of the alliances to consider the implications of legislation that “overrides the deeply held beliefs of any faith community.”
Currently, Catholics are watching the proposal closely, as it has not yet passed in the legislature. If it does become law, there is no telling whether the church will challenge the mandate in court. The amendment is expected to pass next week, a point at which the Church’s next steps will likely be made more apparent.
(H/T: Catholic News Agency)
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Comments (60)
don young
Posted on May 31, 2012 at 11:44amLooks like Ontario is going to start a war with christians.
Report Post »Walkabout
Posted on May 31, 2012 at 11:09amSpankDaMonkey
Gay priests are quite the problem.
Report Post »JohnHW
Posted on May 31, 2012 at 10:51amOkay. Catholic schools can’t use the “public” money! Since I am Catholic, then the taxes I pay for “public” schools should be given to Catholic schools. Why should I be forced to pay for public schools when they are teaching ideas which are against my morals. Catholic school sure could use the funds per student that we pay for these public schools. And they will turn out a much better educated child that any public school with a union required teacher. Maybe then my money would help other people.
FYI: I have three girls. Oldest, which we adopted later in her young life, the state required her to be sent to public school – 4 kids, by 2 fathers, no marriage or HS diploma and on SSI. Middle – Catholic school, Emergency room RN, uses her money to go to foreign countries so she can medically treat and educate their citizens. Youngest, Catholic through 8th grade, public HS. CPA, married with a child. Where should our education tax money be going.
Report Post »Walkabout
Posted on May 31, 2012 at 11:08amExactly
Report Post »FreeCanada
Posted on May 31, 2012 at 12:59pmI could not agree more. I am libertarian and an atheist. Government should stay out of religion and religion out of govenment(I know this last part does not sit well with most here)
If our government assigns a certain amount of money per child for education it should be applied wherever that child goes to school. If a Catholic parents wants to send their child to a Catholic school then that amount should be given to the institution with no strings or small print imposing changes in that institutions beliefs as long as they do not harm. This should even apply to Islamic schools providing no human rights are being violated.
If we are going to ask the church to stay out of government than we need to respect their right to apply their own doctrine and teach what they want within reason to their children.
When I say within reason I mean teaching hate and other such things must be regulated to some extent. If I am wrong on this I am sure someone here will point it out to me.
Report Post »DamocleAurelius
Posted on May 31, 2012 at 8:34pm@freecanada
I’ll see your solution and rise you mine: get government out of education altogether, let people decide for themselves how they will use their monies to fund their children’s education.
Religion influence belongs in government to the extent that a religious people should be free to pursue laws that represent their beliefs and ideals, even the religious ones you dont agree with.
Report Post »nobull14
Posted on May 31, 2012 at 10:02amI am so sick of hearing about these rump rangers ?. It comes down to wrong is wrong and a sin is a sin. !!!!!!!!
Report Post »rickc34
Posted on May 31, 2012 at 10:54amDo not take public funding keep the goverment out. When you choose a. Doctor. Would you rather have a pro life who will do all they can or a pro choice that will do less? I have worked with both MD’s with left thinking mentallity do not try as hard as they should no respect for life in it for money and title. When health care goes to public funding and all the good doctor are gone well you get the picture. Our schools our health care.
Report Post »barber2
Posted on May 31, 2012 at 9:55amThink he worked for Mad magazine ?
Report Post »biffo
Posted on May 31, 2012 at 9:53amIf the teachers didn’t have unions to hide behind they would be way ahead in the sexual assault contest…waaaayyyyyy ahead. Teachers go at both sexes, and have union lawyers to defend them free of charge!
Report Post »barber2
Posted on May 31, 2012 at 9:53amThis is the classic “ using the system to change the system” strategy of the Lefties. Our atheist, anti-military, anti- rich, bourgeoisie , comrades of the 60′s got their law degrees and are dead set on changing “ the system” and creating their own International Far Left nirvana. While they will never question the use of public funds to support their Left wing causes, any organized religion is an open target. Remember what that famous Far Lefty comrade once said : ” Religion is the opiate of the people.” Just makes it difficult to get people hopped up for violence , bloodshed and revolution , especially if they are Christian ! However, can think of one religion which is VERY vulnerable to being incited to hatred and violence…….
Report Post »Mandors
Posted on May 31, 2012 at 9:40amYou take money from Caesar, don’t cry when he makes you play by his rules. Fund your schools yourselves.
Report Post »Mandors
Posted on May 31, 2012 at 9:39amNo just a moron with a Saints symbol for an avatar.
Report Post »flsnipe
Posted on May 31, 2012 at 9:33amCanada, Americas proving grounds for liberalism and social order.
Report Post »GrumpyCat
Posted on May 31, 2012 at 9:28am“religious schools teach theocratic doctrines, which some say cause a troubling mixture of church and state”
The above would have merit if public schools didn’t teach their own flavor of theocratic doctrines. Not the least of which is, “Public school is good!“ and ”The Government is the righter of all wrongs.”
Report Post »trolltrainer
Posted on May 31, 2012 at 9:25amHmmm, that and tiny houses and Bill Mahr’s latest hissy fit…
Yep…
Report Post »chicago76
Posted on May 31, 2012 at 9:25amIt seems that a group that is a dying breed has an awful lot of clout. Next, maybe prostitutes should have special clubs. Maybe, adulterers should have a special club. Maybe, polygamists should have a special club. Maybe, fornicators should have a special club. Maybe, girls with fatherless children should have a special club. Maybe nymphos should have a special club. These are all valid lifestyle choices by gay standards.
Report Post »Nemo13
Posted on May 31, 2012 at 9:23am“I want to know something how is it that a gay couple cannot reproduce if their union is natural or evolutionary of a progressive species?”
As we all know, gays cannot reproduce or have sex (as determined by nature), they can only try to replicate it. Same with marriage, they cannot be married, but still try to replicate it. They cannot be accepted as normal because they are not normal, just like a foot stomper or rapist or serial killer is not normal, they all can seem like an everyday person.. -except for that one flaw / error. You can’t help how you are born, but you have the choice not to follow that twisted path.
Report Post »Harpotoo
Posted on May 31, 2012 at 9:17amAnd what about Muslim schools?
Report Post »Chromo200
Posted on May 31, 2012 at 10:46amExcellent point .. They will not touch the muslims because they are afraid there will death threats and riots all over the muslim world ..
Report Post »RamonPreston
Posted on May 31, 2012 at 12:04pmLet the gays join muslin schools. It would raise their IQ if it was the “last thing they did.”
Report Post »ChiRho4Life
Posted on May 31, 2012 at 9:16amSo…if there are non-Catholic students in the Catholic school system, then the atheists need to keep their mouths shut about public funding.
Report Post »UpholderOftheConstitution
Posted on May 31, 2012 at 9:20amwell said…
Report Post »UpholderOftheConstitution
Posted on May 31, 2012 at 9:16amI agree with your GONZO, even reporting this is shoving it down peoples throats that one group of people with a lifestyle choice can have this loud of a voice.
I want to know something how is it that a gay couple cannot reproduce if their union is natural or evolutionary of a progressive species? If this is the evolution of a species how will our species survive? And if the only way this species can survive is through artificial means through scientific measures how can this be natural? I guess I am just some Bible-thumping moron with no education worthy of this question. I guess I should burn my engineering degree then.
Report Post »BobtheMoron
Posted on May 31, 2012 at 9:23amPlease use the word ‘idiot’ instead of ‘moron’. Us morons have measurable IQs.
Report Post »BobtheMoron
Posted on May 31, 2012 at 9:25amIt’s the Golden Rule. Whoever has the gold makes the rules. A prime example of why American schools need to get off the Federal dole.
Report Post »RamonPreston
Posted on May 31, 2012 at 12:09pm@ BobtheMoron
Hey, idiot! If you study hard you could become a moron! (Words of encouragement.)
Idiot IQ below 20
Report Post »Imbecile IQ 20-49
Moron IQ 50-69
Tankertony
Posted on May 31, 2012 at 9:14amProgressive marxists assaulting religious institutions? Yawn….
Report Post »Nemo13
Posted on May 31, 2012 at 9:13amALSO- I am sick of gays using GODS RAINBOW for their freak flag. Stop profaining GODS work!
Report Post »Nemo13
Posted on May 31, 2012 at 9:11amCatholic educators and church heads answer to GOD ALONE regarding faith, NOT government. Stand up to them! Do not submit and forsake your faith!
Report Post »nocalifornia
Posted on May 31, 2012 at 9:09amYou need to stop spanking that gay monkey of yours and start respecting others religious freedoms, just because you want it doesn’t make it right.
Report Post »brntout
Posted on May 31, 2012 at 9:09amOh yeah, and does this include your “mounties”? Just asskin?
Report Post »BobtheMoron
Posted on May 31, 2012 at 9:26amAre all the Mounties queer?
Report Post »Dudley Do-Right
Posted on May 31, 2012 at 9:50amHey!
Report Post »brntout
Posted on May 31, 2012 at 10:05am@Bob No I did not say They were All gay,just curious….@ DUDLEY No offense but the term “Mounties” was too ripe.
Report Post »Dudley Do-Right
Posted on May 31, 2012 at 10:26amNo offense taken, lol.
Report Post »Comeandtakeit
Posted on May 31, 2012 at 9:06amI have a better idea. Instead of the Catholic Church taking “public money” for their schools, why not let THE PUBLIC keep their own education money and buy whichever school they want for their kids in the free market? Then every school could have policies that reflect the values of their customers. And we should do that here, too!
Report Post »UpholderOftheConstitution
Posted on May 31, 2012 at 9:20amCompletely I second that motion, because then if they are not government funded that said government has completely no right to issue orders to them.
Report Post »barber2
Posted on May 31, 2012 at 10:01amAgree. But what about all of the “standards” which are “ regulated” by the Department of Education ? They use our tax money to dominate and . basically, ruin American education with their half-brained schemes and politically- correct but damaging policies. Think we need not only a separation of Church and State , but also our present government and education ! Look at the mess they have created in the past 60 years with trillions of dollars and stupid policies….all funded by , Guess Who ?!
Report Post »brntout
Posted on May 31, 2012 at 8:59amOkay I’m wondering why there is no gay Hula Hoop with instigator-in chief underneath attatched to this article.Canada,what the hell is right with you? You’re in lock-step with this faux pas movement that reeks the immorality of the lefties,and while America seems to be the test bed (mostly Californication leading the way) of crap like this,why not succede from the union,or unions?
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on May 31, 2012 at 8:58amGay, gay, gay…all day every day. It’s getting old.
Report Post »9111315
Posted on May 31, 2012 at 9:42amDon’t be troubled.
Don’t be sad.
Have a roaring gay time.
. . . I know, my poem is stupid gay.
Report Post »Walkabout
Posted on May 31, 2012 at 11:13amI know.
They were wrong about embryonic stem cells
Report Post »They are wrong about man made global warning.
They are wrong about the economy; they ran out of other people’s money.
They were wrong about WMDs not being in Iraq. There was a news story about securing chemical weapons in Syria. Why? Might some of those come from Iraq in 2002/2003?’
They are wrong about everything.
Walkabout
Posted on May 31, 2012 at 11:30amTired of gays & gay stories.
If people can abort babies because they are the wrong sex & Planned Parent hood supports it one has to consider the possibilities.
If a gay gene is found, then gay babies can be aborted. If there is no gay gene, the being gay is a choice & kids can be sent to therapy. Either way we can achieve a gay free world.
Report Post »RamonPreston
Posted on May 31, 2012 at 12:14pmLet’s do like the blacks and bus the gays to different schools…including muslin schools. That would straighten them out. Back into the closet.
Report Post »Walkabout
Posted on May 31, 2012 at 1:25pmRamonPreston
Busing is horrible. They come out with all those stories that sitting is bad for your health. And liberals wanted to bus people. Plus bored kids on a bus get into mischief. Busing sucks; I do not wish it on gay kids or any kids.
Giving California to the gays & legally separating from them, now that is a good ideal.
Report Post »