Anti-Bullying Law Supports GSAs, Even in Catholic Schools

I know someone who works as a teacher in an Ontario Catholic school board.  If a student were to approach him and say that she/he was gay, or gender-confused, or anything related, he is obligated not only to refuse to answer any of that student’s questions, but to send them to see the school counsellor. 

That response may have to change.  This morning, June 5, 2012, an anti-bullying bill, also known as Bill 13 or the Accepting Schools Act, was passed through the Ontario legislature by a margin of 65-36.  This bill amends the province’s Education Act by removing the school veto over the establishment of student run anti-homophobia clubs, or Gay-Straight Alliances.

As may have been expected, the Catholic Church has not been pleased by this bill as they believe Catholic schools should be allowed to combat bullying in their own way.  But how? At the moment, Catholic schools don’t even acknowledge their gay students.  In fact, while the Church acknowledges that any form of bullying is ‘unacceptable’, they also call homosexuality ‘intrinsically disordered’.  Is that not a form of bullying in itself?

This is a great step in the right direction.  Now that no school board, principal or teacher can block the formation of a GSA, maybe dialogue will increase in schools to raise awareness in the public, private and religious sectors.  I have always believed that education is a key factor in building understanding and compassion, and hopefully this bill will succeed in that aim.