Fight Against Halton Catholic District School Board's Ban on Gay Straight Alliances

The Halton Catholic District School Board recently introduced its new Equity and Inclusive Education Policy. Audaciously, the word 'homophobia' is absent from the entire document and the only reference to Halton's LGBTQ student community cites that gay-straight alliances "cannot be permitted". The HCDSB needs to realize that simply because something is absent from a document does not mean that it is absent in reality.

Despite the fact that up to 30% of LGBTQ youth attempt suicide due to discrimination, bullying and homophobia, the HCDSB is denying their students the opportunity to participate in a safe, welcoming community. The banning of GSA's hurts both gay and straight people alike; just as our LGBTQ students have the right to a safe space that validates their identity, straight students have the right to learn how to counteract prejudice and become allies.

I strongly believe that fifty years from now, people will look back on this decision with the same disgust we experience when remembering Jim Crow education in the United States. This video is a way for those of us outraged by this decision to actually do something about it. Sign the petition, read the links and articles posted here, call the HCDSB, start a GSA in your school if you are a teacher - get the message out! We know we have the power to make this happen, so please send this to your friends, families, colleagues, students...EVERYONE!

Ultimately, the only thing needed for the HCDSB to succeed is for you to do nothing. Remember- we're stronger together.

Join the facebook page "Fight Against the Halton Catholic School Board's ban on Gay Straight Alliances" for info on picketing at the next board meeting, on January 18, 2011!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fight-the-Halton-Catholic-School-Boards-Ban-on-...

The Petition:

http://www.change.org/petitions/view/tell_the_halton_catholic_district_school...


HCDSB Equity and Inclusive Education Policy

http://www.hcdsb.org/Board/Policies/Policies%20%20Procedures/II-45%20Equity%2...


Xtra's announcement of the ban:

http://www.xtra.ca/public/Toronto/Halton_Catholic_schools_ban_GayStraight_All...


HCDSB's Reaction to the Nazi criticisms:

http://www.hcdsb.org/News/Pages/2011-01-07-Board-Responds-to-Equity-and-Inclu...

Ontario Human Rights Code:

http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_90h19_e.htm


Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms:

http://laws.justice.gc.ca/en/charter/1.html#anchorbo-ga:l_I-gb:s_15



Please check out my youtube channel for our live, January 10, 2011 CP24 interview on this issue!! We're making waves!!

**Thanks to Kaila Wilfert for the filming of this video and for making this all possible!! xoxo**

Category:

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[kellysm13]

I'm glad to see this video is generating lots of discussion, but I find some of the discussion problematic. @ Orangebumpkin, if you actually viewed all individuals as equal in the eyes of God, you would not have a promise with LGBTQ students + allies discussing either their identities or issues that relate to who they are.

Just as Catholic people are allowed to discuss their views, LGBTQ students should be able to discuss their's as well.

[kellysm13]

@kellysm13 *problem, not promise.

[shenadoa]

I have know and counted as friends many good Catholics. But I also know what is taught in Catholic schools. Hate the sin, love the sinner. If you can’t help being gay, then don’t have sex. That in itself is hateful. It is also extremely arrogant and condescending.

[shenadoa]

Unless the Catholic Church accepts that the love between two men or two women is as sacred as the love between a man and a woman, then they are promoting hate. If Catholics personally accept that same sex love is as sacred, then their membership in the Catholic church promotes and enables violence directed at the LGBT community unless they are willing to speak up to authority . We are responsible for those we associate with.

[koreyb1980]

As for some bible thumpers from the Catholic chuch... if you do any research... HOMOSEXUALITY is not actually against the teachings.. The act of sex/romantic involvement is. The Church has openly accepted homosexuals exist, but they should not act on these thoughts/feelings.

[koreyb1980]

The time has come we need to stop funding religious schools! It's not fair or right in a country built on many faiths and cultures. If you want to send your kids to a religious school and not adhear to government bills, pay for it yourself.

It would help us make a single public system better for one, and ensure school is about learning, and being inclusive of all.

[Sullivan9120]

The Catholic church rocks. Homosexuality is EVIL.

[joesphx19]

You are another young person who has gone off of the path. Catholic teaching and any other Christian organization cannot support your issue without committing sin. The Bible should be your guide unless your intention is to "adjust" the word of God. If that is the case, you are not of God, you are of the unamed one's kingdom, which is on earth. Surely the worth of your soul is of more importance than fitting in with another protest group?

[kellyannabama]

If you cant follow the rules dont go their, people pay for catholic school for a reason..

[MrMatchbook]

@MrMatchbook also It is quite sad that a group of people would have parades to demonstrate their rebellion to the truth of God's word but the bible says very clearly that man is as the beast. So they are only acting as their father the devil would.

[MrMatchbook]

@MaryWaterton I hear what your saying. Unrepentance will bring death, plain and clear ! I'm just saying If you are a witness of truth it should be about the saving power of the cross over death and His Truth that brings back life over the power of a world in religion. These unrepentant people all ready have the judgement upon them, just as liars do without Jesus Christ. You speak the truth though which is why people will not hear you.

have a nice day

[The1m2n3b4v]

 Our Lord hates no one, but do not misinterpret that as He will accept u into His kingdom no matter what u do.He did not open the gates of Heaven with His sorrowful Passion and death 4 US to decide how we want 2 live.We r expected 2 b faithful 2 His Church's teachings, guided by the Holy Ghost.The Catholic Church. It should not b expected 2 change with the times.That would mean Jesus's teachings r imperfect.That is not the case, we r.

[MaryWaterton]

@MrMatchbook

1-Corinthians 6:9-10 says that no unrepentant homosexuals will enter Heaven. Sending someone to Hell is not an act of love. Therefore, "God hates fags". What makes fags unique is that they are proud of their sin, and if you are proud of your sin, then it is axiomatic that you are not going to repent. Without repentance, there is no forgiveness of sin, there is no salvation.

Jesus didn't die on the cross so we can wallow in our favorite sin. He demands repentance.

[MrMatchbook]

@MaryWaterton Where Did God say He "hates fags"? He sent His only Son who died for Us while we were sinners. Don't just judge someone as if You were God. Yes It is a sin. But He came to free us of it. If you claim to be a witness for Jesus Christ, Tell people Jesus did not cast the first stone but had mercy to those who knew their state of sin and repented.