Protect the Religious Rights of Halton Catholic Students

Sign this petition to show you expect the Halton Catholic District School Board to defend the civil and religious rights of Catholic students!

The Halton Catholic School Board (HCDSB) debated, and voted down on May 17, a Discipline Policy for students, as reported in the Toronto Star (May 24, 2016).
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On Tuesday June 21, 2016, the HCDSB trustees who lost the vote brought back the policy back, in violation of the school board's rules, because of political pressure from the media and the Ontario government.

A slim majority of trustees again passed the Student Discipline Policy without making the necessary changes to ensure the protection of the religious and civil rights of Halton Catholic students!

For more information, here is an article in a local newspaper for more information on the June 21 meeting: http://www.insidehalton.com/news-story/6735389-heated-exchanges-precede-halton-catholic-board-s-approval-of-discipline-policy/%E2%80%8E
** as usual, there are many errors with this journalists perspective, but she gets many of the basics about the meeting right.

A Serious Problem with the Policy

The Discipline Policy for students employs the word "homophobia" as an unacceptable behaviour. However, the Policy document never defines this word.

The problem with using this highly politicized word, without any definition, is that a student could be called "homophobic" simply for stating the current teachings of the Catholic Church on marriage, family life, sexual activity or other important topics.

The Webster dictionary defines “homophobia” as: “Disliking or fearing homosexuals to an unreasonable degree.” No student should bully or persecute a student who identifies themselves as homosexual. However, in today's political culture, it is possible that the expression of the Catholic faith could be considered by some to be "homophobic" and therefore we must protect the civil and religious rights of our students to express the Catholic Faith in all areas, especially on controversial topics.

Proposed Solutions for Protecting Our Children

One solution:
* a definition of “homophobia” and any other wording necessary to make sure students who support or express Catholic teaching may not be prosecuted for “homophobic” behaviour.

Another solution:
* a review of this Discipline Policy by a Canon lawyer would help ensure that all wording of this important document protects the duties and rights of students, parents and staff to be able to freely express, explain, talk about and in any way promote the teachings of the Catholic Church, especially those teachings which are considered controversial and politically incorrect today.

Petition Sponsor
Maureen Murray on behalf of The Halton Family and Life Association (HFLA). HFLA educates and organizes Halton taxpayers to promote life and family issues in their local politics.