Anti-bullying School program violates Religious freedom
WINNIPEG , March 1, 2013, ( LifeSiteNews.com ) - Controversy is escalating over the Manitoba NDP government's proposed anti- bullying law, which would force schools - including independent religious schools - to accommodate homosexual student clubs under the name gay-straight alliance ( GSA ). The Public Schools Amendment Act (Safe and Inclusive Schools) stipulates that schools "must accommodate pupils who want to establish and lead activities and organizations that use the name 'gay-straight alliance' or any other name that is consistent with the promotion of a positive school environment that is inclusive and accepting of all pupils." Independent religious schools in the province contend that Bill 18 is a violation of their religious freedom, while the NDP education minister said the personal rights of students take precedence over religious freedom. Manitoba religious private schools, including Jewish, Sikh, Islamic, as well as Catholic and ot