Calgary's Bishop Lambastes 'Totalitarian' Plan For LGBTQ Rules In Schools

EDMONTON — Calgary’s Catholic bishop is calling for the outright rejection of Alberta's plan to draw up rules to assist LGBTQ students in schools.

 

In a public letter, Bishop Fred Henry says the plan is "totalitarian" and calls it a "forceful imposition of a particular narrow-minded anti-Catholic ideology."

 

He also criticizes peer support networks in schools — known as gay-straight alliances — as directly contrary to the teachings of the Catholic Church.

 

Henry's remarks come as the province moves forward with creating individually tailored policies in 61 school districts to ensure that LGBTQ students are respected and can thrive.

 

This week, Education Minister David Eggen delivered to the boards guidelines for the policies, including allowing transgender students to use the washroom of their choice and dress as they wish, and participate on the boys' or girls' sports team they believe reflects their true gender identity.

 

School boards have until March 31 to submit draft copies of their policies to the government for review.