VANCOUVER — Anti-bullying policies in all schools in British Columbia will soon have to include explicit references to sexual orientation and gender identity.
Education Minister Mike Bernier announced that school districts and independent schools will have until the end of the year to update their anti-bullying policies.
Bernier became emotional while speaking at a news conference, saying he wished the requirement had been in place while his daughter was in school.
Justice Minister Suzanne Anton says the changes will bring the policies in line with amendments to the B.C. Human Rights Code made in July that protects gender identity and expression.
The B.C.-based ARC Foundation is also funding a new sexual orientation and gender identity education advisor position to help districts and private schools develop their policies.
Glen Hansman, president of the B.C. Teachers' Federation, says when he was growing up as a queer youth in Ontario it wasn't safe to come out, and the new rules in B.C. mean the onus will be on the school community to support any student who chooses to do so.
